TAMPA, FL – A shooting incident erupted early Sunday at a Tampa-based Holiday Inn, leaving a popular rapper dead and wounding three others, police confirmed.
The incident, which took place in the hotel’s parking lot at the confluence of Fowler Avenue and McKinley Drive, involved gunfire directed at two cars, according to the Tampa Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Joneé Lewis.
Among the victims was well-known rapper Charles Jones, also recognized by his stage name, Julio Foolio. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. In the meantime, three other gunshot victims were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Early reports suggest their survival prospects are encouraging. As per police findings, the victims were attempting to book a room at the Holiday Inn at the time of the unfortunate incident.
Presently, police are pouring over available surveillance video footage to extract additional details about the incident while striving to minimize disruption for hotel guests. Thus far, no arrests have been made. However, investigators are now on the hunt for any extra video footage that may aid in identifying potential suspects.
Following Jones’s death, his girlfriend took to Instagram to share the mournful news. She reported that the rapper died while celebrating his birthday in Tampa. Earlier, Jones had shared via his Instagram story that he was hosting a pool-themed birthday party at a Tampa Airbnb establishment but had to shift location following a directive from local police.
Anyone who has relevant information about the shooting is requested to reach out to the Tampa police department.