Julio Foolio was in Tampa for his 26th birthday party by the pool when something terrible happened.
Foolio was an independent artist with almost a million monthly listeners on Spotify. His lawyer confirmed that he was shot and killed early Sunday morning while celebrating his birthday.
Who was Foolio, the rapper?
Charles Jones, whose stage name was Julio Foolio, was a rising rap star.
He was born on June 21, 1998, and grew up in and around Jacksonville, Florida.
“So far, and this is still early in the investigation,” said Joneé Lewis, public information officer for the Tampa Police Department, as reported by Fox 2 Now News. “Two cars were shot at.”
“Charles Jones is thought to be the victim of the shooting this morning,” Tampa Police Public Information Officer Jonee’ Lewis wrote in a press release, which News4JAX reported.
“Confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office is needed before positive identification can be made.”
Lewis Fusco, Foolio’s lawyer, also confirmed the rapper’s death on his own Instagram Stories.
“Fusco Law Group has been honored to represent Charles Jones, professionally known as Foolio, for several years.”
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm Mr. Jones passed away early this morning.”
It was said that Foolio was having a party at a nearby Airbnb for his birthday.
The rapper’s social media accounts promoted the party, which quickly got too crowded. The police had to step in and kick people out of the party.
Then Foolio and his friends set out to find another place to party, which is how they ended up at the Holiday Inn.
“While the events involving our client, Mr. Charles Jones, have been disclosed by law enforcement, we are unable to provide further comments at this time until additional details become public record,” Fusco’s statement said.
“We kindly request that the privacy of Mr. Jones and his family be respected during this difficult time.”
In a scary tweet sent just a few days before he was killed by a gunshot, Foolio seemed happy on his birthday.
“God thank you for letting me see another year and celebrate another birthday,” he wrote on Twitter, along with a bunch of happy emojis and the words “appreciate all the birthday wishes so far.”
Mani B, who is said to be dating the rapper, also shared her sadness on social media.
“You took my boyfriend away from me.” “I hate you all, and I know I’m not the only one crying,” she wrote on Twitter, adding a small broken heart emoji.
