Tampa Rapper Julio Foolio Killed in Hotel ShootingTampa Rapper Julio Foolio Killed in Hotel Shooting On Sunday morning, Florida rapper Julio Foolio was fatally shot in the parking lot of a Tampa hotel. His attorney, Lewis Fusco, confirmed his death to CBS News affiliate WTSP. The shooting occurred around 4:40 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Tampa North, where two cars were targeted, resulting in four victims being hit by gunfire, according to Tampa Police Department spokesperson Jonee Lewis. The deceased victim is believed to be 26-year-old Charles Jones, which is Foolio’s legal name, as stated by WTSP. Fusco claimed that Foolio was in Tampa celebrating his birthday at an Airbnb but was forced to leave due to overcrowding. He then went to the Holiday Inn where he was allegedly ambushed. Foolio, with over 1 million Instagram followers, had announced his presence in Tampa for his birthday on his social media page. Three others sustained injuries in the shooting. Hotel guests were not evacuated, but police personnel were present to assist if needed. The Tampa Police Department urges the public to provide any available video footage or information that could aid in the investigation.
TAMPA, Fla. — Florida rapper Julio Foolio was shot early Sunday morning in the parking lot of a hotel in Tampa.
His attorney, Lewis Fusco, confirmed his death to CBS News affiliate WTSP in Tampa.
Around 4:40 a.m., Tampa police were called to a shooting at the Holiday Inn Tampa North, where two cars were shot at, leaving four people hit by gunfire, Jonee Lewis, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department, said at a news conference.
The victim is believed to be 26-year-old Charles Jones, but police said his identity is pending confirmation from the medical examiner. According to WTSP, Jones is Foolio’s legal name.
Fusco told WTSP that the victim was Foolio and that the rapper was in Tampa to celebrate his birthday at an Airbnb but was asked to leave because there were too many people in the home. He then went to the Holiday Inn where he was allegedly ambushed, Fusco told WTSP.
Foolio, who has more than 1 million followers on Instagram, shared and promoted on his page that he was in Tampa for his birthday.
Three other people were injured in the shooting.
Hotel guests were not evacuated, but police were on site to assist them if necessary, Lewis said.
Police are appealing to the public to provide any video or information they may need to assist with the investigation.
“If you saw or heard anything, every little detail can help us figure out what happened this morning,” Lewis said.
People can contact the Tampa Police Department at (813)231-6130.
Hunter Geisel
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