The tragic murder of popular rapper Charles “Foolio” Jones is still under investigation, with new developments coming out. Whereas three persons have been apprehended over the June 23rd shooting that took the life of the young, on-the-rise 26-year-old artist, two suspects remain at large.
Foolio, a Jacksonville rap figure who is beloved in the scene, was shot dead in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Tampa North while out celebrating his birthday. Another three people were left injured.
2 more people who are on the run for the murder of Foolio. PIC.TWITTER.COM/DXVHLQMJMU
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) JULY 29, 2024
That fateful night, Foolio was having a birthday bash with friends; things took a turn for worse when all of a sudden the event suddenly went tragic. What should have been a festive night ended with the Holiday Inn Tampa North parking lot being the scene of deadly shooting. The incident shocked many and brought out in the open the issues that were ongoing regarding violence in communities.
The authorities identified two suspects in the shooting: 18-year-old Royale D’Von Smith Jr. and 19-year-old Jercoby Da’Shad Groover. According to them, the latter was from Jacksonville, but their whereabouts are still unknown at this time. The Tampa Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office in Jacksonville are doing everything possible to track these guys down and call upon citizens to help by providing information or videos that would bring about the arrest of the suspects.
“We are seeking the public’s help to bring these perpetrators to justice,” Tampa Police said. “Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in solving this case and providing closure to the victims’ families.”
The shock from the death of Foolio radiates beyond his circle. His music had affected so many people; his loss in local rap and, further reaching, within the community, was huge. Other tributes around town were candlelight vigils springing up as well as Jacksonville residents who wanted to remember their friend.
The community remains on edge as the investigation continues, banking on swift justice. The appeal by authorities shows the need for collective efforts on addressing the issues of violence and ensuring such tragedies do not repeat themselves.
