TAMPA, Fla. — A jury delivered its verdict late Friday in the case of Alicia Andrews, one of five individuals charged in connection with the murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio. The jury found Andrews guilty of manslaughter but not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, concluding several hours of deliberation.
Prosecutors argued that Andrews played a key role in tracking and stalking Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones. The prosecution painted a picture of her involvement in the rapper’s targeting during an ongoing gang conflict. However, Andrews defended her actions in court, claiming she had accompanied her boyfriend, whom she described as controlling and abusive, simply thinking they were on a trip.
Julio Foolio was killed last summer outside a hotel near the University of South Florida while celebrating his birthday. Investigators asserted that Andrews and her boyfriend, Isaiah Chance, traveled from Jacksonville with three others as part of a premeditated plan to confront the rapper.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that Andrews assisted in surveilling Foolio as he moved between nightclubs in Tampa. Authorities reported that she, being outside of her boyfriend’s gang, was allegedly used to help evade detection, as she utilized her cellphone and car to facilitate their plans.
Andrews’ attorneys maintained that she was unaware of her co-defendants’ intentions and had been forthcoming with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Attorney Life Malcolm emphasized that just because Andrews was seen with individuals who had malicious intentions does not imply she shared their mindset. He contended that she was merely on vacation, caught in an unfortunate situation.
Jeremy McLymont, another member of Andrews’ legal team, argued that the state had attempted to stereotype her as someone who would comply with her boyfriend’s demands solely because of their relationship. He stressed the importance of recognizing her individual actions and intentions.
Looking ahead, Andrews is set to be sentenced on December 8. Her co-defendants, which include Chance and three others, are scheduled to face their trials next year, prolonging the legal proceedings stemming from this high-profile case.