Police have made multiple arrests in connection with the ambush and murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Julio, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) announced Monday.
The three suspects, Alicia Andrews, 21, Isaiah Chance Jr., 21, and Shawn Gasright, 18, were arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, TPD Chief Lee Berkow said at a news conference. The three are charged with premeditated first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Berkow added that two men, Rashad Murphy, 30, and Davion Murphy, 27, are also wanted in connection with the rapper's murder. Toronto police are working with federal marshals and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to search for the suspects.
Authorities say Julio Julio, whose real name was Charles Jones, was shot and killed at a Holiday Inn on June 23 while celebrating his 26th birthday. Bercow said officers responded to the scene and found four victims, one of whom was later identified as Jones. The other three survived the incident.
Authorities released security camera footage of the deadly shooting, which shows gunmen sneaking around the car Jones was riding in, before three armed gunmen open fire on the car as the driver tries to flee. (RELATED: Newly released video shows rapper Julio Julio shot and killed outside hotel).
“These individuals went to extreme measures to cover up their actions, but they were no match for our investigators,” Varcoe said at a news conference.
Berkow said the three suspects arrested are believed to be members or associates of rival gangs to Jones, and the police chief said the gangs appear to be conspiring to target Jones because of ongoing feuds in Jacksonville.
“We want to send a clear message to anyone that the City of Tampa is not the place to come to resolve disputes,” Berkow said. “You will be charged, you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”