TAMPA, Fla. (Court TV) — Four men face potential death sentences after a jury found that they murdered a rising rap star as part of an ongoing gang war.
Defendants:
From left: Isaiah Chance, 23; Sean Gathright, 20; Rashad Murphy, 32; and Davion Murphy, 29. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy were each convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting death of Charles Jones, better known by his stage name “Julio Foolio.”
The same jury that convicted them will return on Monday to begin the penalty phase of the trial.
The Murder of Julio Foolio
On June 23, 2024, Jones, a 26-year-old rapper, was fatally shot in what police describe as a “targeted gang-related killing.” Investigators say that Chance, Gathright, Davion Murphy, and Rashad Murphy traveled together from their homes in Jacksonville, Florida, and followed Jones to Tampa, where he was celebrating his 26th birthday. Along for the ride was Alicia Andrews, 23, Chance’s girlfriend, who was also convicted for her role in the shooting.
Prosecutors indicated that the shooting was a result of a long-standing gang rivalry. Jones was a member of the “6 Block” gang, which had been in open conflict with both Ace’s Top Killers (ATK) and 1200 gangs. The four co-defendants are members of either ATK or 1200; Andrews was not a member of any gang.
The Shooting and Evidence
Surveillance footage captured at a Home 2 Suites hotel in Tampa shows the defendants arriving in vehicles and shooting at cars associated with Jones. The gunmen—Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy—opened fire, killing Jones and injuring three others. Prosecutors said Chance and Andrews acted as scouts, searching for the victim’s location.
The Trial and Legal Developments
The case is being presided over by Judge Michelle Sisco, who had previously overseen Andrews’ trial. However, she will not preside over Andrews’ sentencing after a defense motion resulted in her removal, citing alleged bias. Prosecutors are appealing this decision.
Daily Trial Highlights
Day 14 – 5/13/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 14 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Expert Testimony: Dr. Hyman Eisenstein, a clinical psychologist, provided insights after multiple interviews with Davion Murphy, seven months after the murder.
- Family Statements: Rashad Murphy’s fiancée, Charmaine Steiger, testified about her partner’s role as a father. The couple shares four children, and Steiger discussed their life together, including their experience with family tragedy.
Day 13 – 5/12/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 13 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Testimony on Character: Sean Gathright’s relatives described him as intelligent, hard-working, and well-liked. Gathright’s mother and grandmother discussed their bond with him, as well as his troubled upbringing.
Day 12 – 5/11/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 12 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Witness Statements: Bryan Herringon, Sean Gathright’s former stepfather, and other family members provided testimony on Gathright’s background, suggesting a different side of the defendant than portrayed in court.
Day 11 – 5/8/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 11 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Defendant’s Testimony: Sean Gathright told the jury he was taking responsibility and expressed remorse for the tragedy.
Day 10 – 5/7/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 10 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Closing Arguments: The prosecution focused on how the defendants planned and executed the murder. Defense teams countered, highlighting gaps in evidence and questioning whether all defendants were equally involved.
Day 9 – 5/6/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 9 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Forensic Analysis: The prosecution highlighted the gunshots fired at the victims and detailed the forensic evidence, including DNA and ballistics.
Day 8 – 5/5/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 8 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Gang Ties Testimony: Detective Matthew Jones testified on the gang affiliations and rivalry between ATK, 1200, and 6 Block, emphasizing how the conflict contributed to the murder.
Day 7 – 5/4/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 7 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Detective Testimony: Detective Craig Griffin discussed his investigation and the gang-related activities that led to the murder.
Day 6 – 5/3/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 6 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Victim’s Statement: Testimonies from Charles Jones’ friends and family members painted a picture of his life and the tragic loss of his life due to gang violence.
Day 5 – 5/2/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 5 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Further Investigation: Police officers testified about their investigation into the crime scene, revealing connections to other gang violence in the area.
Day 4 – 5/1/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 4 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Witness Testimony: Police officers shared their findings from surveillance footage, phone data, and text messages showing the suspects’ coordinated actions leading up to the murder.
Day 3 – 4/30/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 3 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Social Media Analysis: Detective Richard Needer discussed how Charles Jones’ social media posts indicated rising tensions and threats before the shooting.
Day 2 – 4/29/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 2 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Witness Statements: Key testimony about the chaotic shooting scene and the social media war between the gangs.
Day 1 – 4/28/26
Livestream: FL v. Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, et.al. – Day 1 | Julio Foolio Murder Trial
- Opening Statements: The prosecution laid out a theory of a coordinated attack fueled by gang rivalry and social media taunts. The defense focused on the lack of direct evidence.
