A Hillsborough County jury on Friday delivered a definitive verdict in a case that brought the violent rivalry of Jacksonville’s streets to the heart of Tampa. Four men—Isaiah Chance, 23; Sean Gathright, 20; Rashad Murphy, 32; and Davion Murphy, 29—were found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the death of Charles “Julio Foolio” Jones.
Jones, a prominent Jacksonville rapper, was killed on June 23, 2024, in what prosecutors described as a meticulously coordinated ambush. The attack occurred while Jones was in Tampa celebrating his birthday, turning a weekend of festivities into a crime scene that left bystanders wounded and a community reeling from the spillover of a relentless gang war.
The convictions mark a significant victory for the state, which argued that the killing was not a random act of violence but a calculated hit rooted in the ongoing conflict between the 6Block gang, of which Jones was a documented member, and the allied gangs known as Ace’s Top Killers (ATK) and 1200. The jury’s decision follows a trial that meticulously dissected digital footprints, surveillance footage, and the cultural intersection of “drill rap” and real-world violence.
All four men are scheduled to return to court on Monday at 1 p.m. For the penalty phase, where the court will determine their sentencing.
The Anatomy of an Ambush
The prosecution painted a vivid picture of the events of June 23, describing a “targeted and coordinated” strike. According to testimony from Detective David Alverson, the attack involved at least three shooters and two vehicles: a Chevrolet Impala and a Chevrolet Cruze. The violence was so intense that forensics recovered 31 9mm shell casings and projectile fragments from the scene.
The ambush took place at a hotel complex including the Home 2 Suites and Holiday Inn. Jones was inside a black Dodge Charger when the shooters opened fire. The concussive blast from a rifle used by one of the attackers was reportedly powerful enough to trigger the alarm of a nearby vehicle. While Jones was trapped in a defensive position inside his car, the gunfire sprayed the area, striking hotel windows and bystander vehicles.
The chaos extended to innocent guests. Camilla Bentley, who had traveled to Tampa for a “girls’ trip,” testified that she was shot in the right arm while sitting in a car at the hotel. Another guest, Audra Agramente, described being awakened by the gunfire as a bullet shattered her room window while she was helping her daughter move into the University of South Florida.
Investigators were able to reconstruct the shooters’ movements using a combination of hotel surveillance and “Sentry Mode” footage from a Tesla parked nearby. This evidence allowed police to track the suspects as they fled the scene and returned to a rented Airbnb before splitting up to return to Jacksonville.
A Digital Trail of Evidence
Much of the state’s case rested on the digital evidence left behind by the defendants. Prosecutors presented text messages and phone data showing that Gathright and Chance were actively attempting to locate Jones in Tampa. The coordination extended to Alicia Andrews, who was previously found guilty of manslaughter for her role as a lookout and for booking the Airbnb used as a base of operations.
The trial also highlighted the role of social media in the gang conflict. JSO Gang Unit detectives testified about the tensions between 6Block and the ATK/1200 alliance, referencing “Twitter Spaces” arguments and “drill rap” videos. The prosecution specifically pointed to Instagram posts made in the early hours following the murder. In one instance, Rashad Murphy allegedly posted images of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady—referencing “the GOAT”—accompanied by laughing emojis, which the state argued was a celebration of the killing.
| Defendant | Verdict/Charge | Role/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Chance | Guilty: 1st Degree Murder & Conspiracy | Coordinated ambush; linked to ATK |
| Sean Gathright | Guilty: 1st Degree Murder & Conspiracy | Possession of weapons; linked to transport |
| Rashad Murphy | Guilty: 1st Degree Murder & Conspiracy | Planning; social media celebrations |
| Davion Murphy | Guilty: 1st Degree Murder & Conspiracy | Transport; linked to 1200 gang |
| Alicia Andrews | Guilty: Manslaughter | Lookout; booked Airbnb |
The Defense’s Counter-Arguments
Throughout the trial, defense attorneys attempted to create reasonable doubt by challenging the reliability of the state’s forensic and digital evidence. The defense for Rashad Murphy argued that his phone was never tracked from Jacksonville to Tampa during the murder and claimed that he had lied to investigators initially only out of fear. He maintained that his car was used without his knowledge to deliver items to his incarcerated brother.
Sean Gathright’s counsel described his client as a “puzzle piece that doesn’t fit,” arguing that the rifles found in Gathright’s home did not match the weapon seen in the surveillance video. He further asserted that Gathright was not a member of any gang and was simply in Tampa with a friend, unaware of any planned shooting.
Davion Murphy’s defense focused on a physical detail: the handedness of the shooter. His attorney argued that surveillance footage showed the third shooter was right-handed, whereas Davion Murphy was seen writing with his left hand during a JSO interview. Isaiah Chance’s defense argued that the state could not prove he knew about the shooting, suggesting that because Jones had posted his performance location publicly, there was no need for a “surveillance team.”
The Cultural Conflict: Drill Rap as Evidence
A central point of contention during the trial was the use of lyrics and music videos as evidence. JSO Detective Richard Needer testified that “drill rap” is often used to disrespect rivals, but the defense countered that such lyrics are artistic expressions and not admissions of guilt. They argued that the state was interpreting social media posts and song lyrics rather than relying on “solid proof.”
Despite these arguments, the jury found the combination of cell tower pings, surveillance footage, and witness testimony—including that of Robert Howard (known as “Kenny Caps”)—sufficient to secure convictions. Howard testified that after the shooting, Rashad Murphy had contacted him, claiming he had seen Howard at the club and admitting his presence at the scene.
Disclaimer: This report summarizes legal proceedings and trial testimony. All defendants are presumed innocent until the completion of all legal appeals processes.
If you or a loved one has been affected by gun violence, support is available through the National Center for Victims of Crime at victimsofcrime.org.
The legal process now moves to the penalty phase, where the judge will hear arguments regarding the sentencing for the four men. The court will reconvene on Monday at 1 p.m. To begin these proceedings.
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