On day seven of the trial involving four men accused of orchestrating the ambush killing of rapper Julio Foolio, childhood friend Jamal Howard, also known as Kenny Kaps, took the stand to recount the terrifying moment gunfire erupted during Foolio’s birthday celebration in Tampa in June 2024.
Howard described the chaos as shots rang out outside a hotel where the group had gathered after their initial Airbnb pool party was shut down. “I hear the shots go off… I duck,” he testified, explaining how he immediately took cover while trying to process the scene. Despite his efforts, Foolio was struck multiple times, including a fatal chest wound that pierced his heart, lungs, and aorta.
The four defendants — Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy — have pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. If convicted, they could face the death penalty.
Prosecutors allege the defendants tracked the group via social media, exploiting Foolio’s Instagram posts that revealed birthday plans and real-time location updates. Evidence presented in court includes surveillance footage of masked gunmen exiting vehicles and opening fire, DNA from a rifle recovered at the scene, and cell phone data tracing the suspects’ movements.
Howard’s testimony faced immediate scrutiny from the defense, which highlighted his prior federal drug convictions, probation violations, and previous violent offenses, including murder and aggravated assault. Defense attorneys argued that Howard’s account was motivated by self-interest rather than a commitment to justice.
Three other people were injured during the shooting, and investigators recovered 31 9mm shell casings, indicating multiple shooters. The case has drawn national attention due to the intersection of gang activity, social media, and drill rap culture. Judge Michelle Sisco is presiding over the trial, with additional witnesses expected in the coming days.
