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Rapper Julio Foolio killed in early morning Tampa hotel shooting

Police urge the public to come forward with any information that would help in the investigation.

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida rapper Julio Foolio died in a shooting early Sunday morning in a Tampa hotel parking lot, his lawyer confirmed.

The shooting occurred around 4:40 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Tampa North on East Fowler Avenue. Two cars were shot at, resulting in a total of four people hit by gunfire, Tampa Police Department spokesperson Jonee Lewis said during a news conference.

The victim is believed to be Charles Jones, 26, but is pending confirmation from the medical examiner, according to police. That is the legal name of rapper Julio Foolio.

His lawyer, Lewis Fusco, told 10 Tampa Bay the rapper was shot and killed. He said Jones was in Tampa celebrating his birthday at an Airbnb but was asked to leave because there were too many people at the residence. He went to the Holiday Inn where he was reportedly ambushed, according to a statement from Fusco. 

Three other people were injured in the shooting.

Hotel guests did not need to be evacuated, but police are on the scene to assist them if necessary, Lewis said. Authorities are addressing guests' concerns and escorting them in and out of the hotel.

Police are urging the public to provide any videos or information they may have to assist with the investigation.

"If you saw something or heard something any little detail can help us figure out what happened this morning," Lewis said.  

People can contact the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130.

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