In a startling twist to a tragic story, a man claims to have spotted rapper Julio Foolio, who was reportedly shot dead in Tampa, Florida, on June 23, 2024. The video, shared widely on social media, shows someone in Tampa wearing the same clothes Foolio wore at the time of his death, sparking speculation and disbelief.
Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones, was killed in a shooting in a North Tampa parking lot, with three others injured. The recent video, posted by an anonymous user, captures a man entering a store in Tampa wearing a white t-shirt, red patterned shorts, and a red cap—identical to what Foolio was wearing when he was last seen alive.
“Me and my brother saw Foolio yesterday in Tampa. HE’S NOT DEAD,” the user wrote, reigniting debates and conspiracy theories about the rapper’s fate.
The circumstances of Foolio’s death were grim and pointed to a targeted attack. Surveillance footage from the Holiday Inn parking lot in North Tampa showed that the gunman was waiting for Foolio, suggesting a premeditated murder just two days after the rapper’s 26th birthday. Foolio, originally from Jacksonville, was affiliated with the gang ‘6 Block,’ known for its violent rivalries with other local gangs, particularly ‘ATK’ and ‘1200.’ These rivalries have reportedly resulted in numerous murders over the years.
The Tampa Police Department suspects that members of the ATK and 1200 gangs were behind Foolio’s murder. The investigation is ongoing, with officials reportedly close to identifying the suspects involved, all believed to be from Jacksonville.
Despite his death, Foolio’s Instagram account remains active. Recently, it featured a controversial post showing an AI-generated video of Foolio’s face superimposed on WWE wrestler The Undertaker’s body, depicting a resurrection. This post, among others, has added fuel to the conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
The viral video claiming Foolio is alive has elicited a range of reactions. Some users were quick to dismiss it as clickbait. One comment read, “Stop posting these dumb ass shits be a blog that posts value not clickbait, cops said he’s dead, friends also, and we seen the funeral. People are being charged for murder!” Others echoed similar sentiments, insisting the person in the video is not Foolio and calling for respect for the deceased. “That ain’t Foolio lol,” one user remarked, while another said, “That’s NOT him ya need to let son rest up Frfr.”
The controversy over Julio Foolio’s alleged sighting continues to grow, leaving many to question the validity of the claims. As the investigation into his death progresses, the debate over his fate serves as a reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with gang affiliations and the often tumultuous lives of those in the rap industry.