By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Jacksonville, FL – Rashad Murphy, one of the individuals facing charges in connection with the 2024 slaying of Jacksonville rapper Folio, has formally petitioned the court to be granted a separate trial. The legal maneuvering, detailed in documents recently submitted to the court, signifies a strategic attempt by Murphy’s legal team to distance him from his co-defendants and potentially influence the outcome of the highly publicized case.
The motion, filed by Murphy’s attorneys, argues for a severance of his trial from that of Alicia Andrews, Isaiah Chance, Sean Gathright, and Davion Murphy. While a hearing was previously held to address this request, no definitive ruling has yet been issued by the presiding judge. The core of Murphy’s argument appears to stem from concerns over how evidence, particularly that related to a separate shooting incident involving some of his co-defendants, might be presented and perceived by a jury.
In a supplemental memorandum filed on Friday, March 6, Murphy’s legal counsel specifically addressed the court’s indication that evidence from the aforementioned separate shooting could be deemed admissible against all defendants. This admissibility, the court suggested, would hinge on whether the judge determines the evidence to be "inextricably intertwined" with the charges pertaining to Folio’s death. Murphy’s legal team contends that Florida law mandates a meticulous, defendant-specific analysis of both relevance and potential prejudice when joint trials involve such complex evidentiary considerations. The filing asserts that without this individualized scrutiny, Murphy’s right to a fair trial could be compromised.
The tragic events leading to Folio’s death unfolded on June 23, 2024, when the rapper, whose real name was Julio Foolio, was reportedly shot and killed by three masked assailants. The incident occurred in Tampa, Florida, as Folio was reportedly celebrating his birthday. The rapper, a prominent figure in the Jacksonville hip-hop scene, had garnered a significant following for his music.
Among the five individuals charged in connection with the murder, Alicia Andrews has already faced legal proceedings. In October 2025, she was convicted of manslaughter in relation to Folio’s death. She is currently awaiting sentencing, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. However, Andrews’ sentencing was significantly delayed following the appellate court’s removal of the original judge in January due to allegations of bias. Her new sentencing hearing is presently scheduled for December 8.
Meanwhile, the other four defendants—Rashad Murphy, Davion Murphy, Isaiah Chance, and Sean Gathright—appeared in court on Wednesday, March 4. During this hearing, a judge addressed and denied several pre-trial motions. These denials reportedly included motions related to specific Florida statutes, the potential imposition of the death penalty, and the admissibility of victim impact evidence. Video footage of this court hearing has been made available, offering a glimpse into the ongoing legal proceedings.
The legal strategy employed by Rashad Murphy’s defense team highlights the complexities inherent in prosecuting multiple defendants in a high-profile murder case. The request for a separate trial underscores the defense’s commitment to ensuring that each defendant’s case is evaluated independently, free from the potential spillover effects of evidence or legal arguments pertaining to their co-accused. The court’s decision on this severance motion will likely have significant implications for the progression of the Folio murder trial and the legal strategies of all parties involved. The outcome will be closely watched by legal observers and fans of the late rapper alike.
The ongoing legal battle surrounding Folio’s murder continues to draw considerable attention, underscoring the profound impact of his loss on the music community and beyond. As the legal processes unfold, the focus remains on achieving a just resolution while upholding the fundamental principles of due process and fair trial for all involved. The court’s careful consideration of Rashad Murphy’s motion for severance will be a critical step in navigating these complex legal waters. The subsequent legal actions and rulings will undoubtedly shape the narrative of this tragic case as it moves towards a final resolution.