Lawyer seeks mental evaluation of suspect in Folio murder

The attorney for Rashad Murphy, one of five suspects in the ambush killing of Jacksonville rapper Charles “Julio Folio” Jones, has requested a forensic neuropsychological evaluation that suggests a possible insanity defense. Prosecutors have suggested the death penalty could be imposed in the case.

Accordingly News4JaxAuthorities allege Murphy was among three men who shot at Jones in a June attack in a Tampa hotel parking lot as Jones celebrated his 26th birthday. The attack, captured on surveillance video, is linked to an ongoing gang feud in Jacksonville.

Murphy was arrested following a SWAT stop in July. His cousin Davion Murphy remains at large. Three other people – Isaiah Chance, Alicia Andrews and Sean Gathright – were arrested in Jacksonville and have pleaded not guilty in Hillsborough County.

The motion requests a detailed psychological evaluation of Rashad Murphy, including clinical interviews, testing and a review of personal and medical records. If granted, the findings could influence defense strategy in a case where the death penalty is at stake.

Jones was fatally shot June 23 at a Holiday Inn on Fowler Avenue. Police believe Jones was trying to secure a room at the hotel after being kicked out of an Airbnb while celebrating his 26th birthday.

Authorities have said the suspects are members of rival Jacksonville gangs who helped kill him. Jones had posted his location online several times before the shooting, and it is believed the suspects followed him before carjacking his car at the Holiday Inn.

They released all of folio’s footage. 😳 They say they’re opening a RICO in Jax pic.twitter.com/3pcKSuZF1t

– BIG Indica 🦋 (@indicachildT) July 29, 2024

In addition to Jones, three other people were injured in the shooting but survived their injuries. Law enforcement also released video of the incident, which shows the suspects dressed all in black chasing Jones and shooting at a car in which Jones was trying to flee. Accordingly News4JaxHe was sitting on the passenger side. The shooters were armed with a pistol and two rifles. The murder was the latest in the history of violence between 6 Block, of which Folio was a member, and gang rivals ATK and 1200.

“Today, three dangerous criminals are off our streets in Florida and in police custody where they belong,” Waters said. “These individuals have chosen a life of urban terrorism, and through arrests we are showing Tampa, Jacksonville and the rest of Florida that we are holding violent perpetrators accountable.”

A video of the moment authorities arrested the suspected killers was also released, which you can see below.

Your Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department announce the arrests of three people in connection with the murder of Charles Andrew Jones II, known as Julio Folio.

Jones was shot to death in the parking lot of a Tampa hotel on June 23, 2024.

Saturday afternoon, JSO SWAT, CPR and… pic.twitter.com/YiOyQ4Vgd5

— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) July 29, 2024