A birthday celebration ended in tragedy for a Jacksonville rapper over the weekend.
Hip hop artist Julio Foolio was fatally shot in Tampa while celebrating his 26th birthday, HotNewHipHop reported. He was at a pool party at an Airbnb when police came to shut it down.
The group was allegedly kicked out of the Airbnb for exceeding maximum occupancy, according to TMZ.
Julio Foolio, whose real name is Charles Jones, and other party attendees then moved to another location. TMZ also shared a video taken by Julio Foolio of the group moving locations, where he said they were "20 deep."
At around 4:40 a.m., a shooting occurred at the Holiday Inn Tampa North on East Fowler Avenue, Jones' lawyer told WTSP. Two cars were shot at and four people were hit by gunfire.
One was killed and three others were injured in the shooting. The deceased victim is believed to Jones but the Medical Examiner's Office has yet to confirm the victim's name, the Tampa Police Department said in a press release.
The hotel was not evacuated but police were there to assist any guests who needed help.
"Y'all took my boyfriend from me. I hate y'all & I won't be the only one crying," Jones' girlfriend wrote on X.
Prior to his death, Jones expressed excitement and gratitude about his birthday on social media.
"God thank you for allowing me to see another Year & To celebrate another birthday," Jones said on X.
The rapper also posted about the party on Instagram. On the day of the party, he shared several Instagram story posts, including a video where he showed off the Airbnb.
He also planned to have a celebration at Teasers Gentlemans Club in Tampa the next day.
In April, Jones made an Instagram post claiming there had been "multiple attempts on my life." He also said he was losing friends to "jail and graveyards."
Jones appeared on a podcast in 2022 and spoke about how he was shot at while trying to leave the studio one day. He survived that shooting attempt.
Officials are asking the public to share any videos or information related to the incident with the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130. The shooting remains under investigation as authorities try to determine the events leading up to it and all of the individuals involved.
Foolio had over 950,00 monthly listeners. His most popular songs included Voo Doo, Dead Opps. Pt. 2, I Hate You I Love You and Play With Me.
This is the second tragic loss the hip-hop community has experienced this month. Up-and-coming rapper Enchanting died earlier this month from drug overdose. She died shortly after being placed on life support. She was also 26 years old. She had over 185,000 monthly listeners with popular songs like No Luv and Track & Field.
