Young and Ace on the Run: The Unfolding RICO Case that Shook Jacksonville

Rapper Young and Ace, 26, is making headlines as he finds himself on the run following the issuance of a federal warrant for his arrest on a murder charge. Entangled in a high-profile RICO case, Ace faces allegations of involvement in the shooting and subsequent death of his rival, fellow rapper Julio Foolio. The feud between these two Florida-based artists, fueled by gang affiliations and personal losses, has captivated both fans and authorities. Here’s an in-depth look at the events leading up to this dramatic point and what it means for both rappers’ futures.

The Rise of Young and Ace and Julio Foolio

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, both Young and Ace (real name Kenyata Bullard) and Julio Foolio (real name Charles Jones) rose to fame in the local rap scene, primarily due to their raw lyrics reflecting the gang violence that plagued their lives. Their rivalry began in 2017, escalating through diss tracks and gang-related altercations. This ongoing feud became deeply personal after Foolio’s crew, KTA, was accused of killing Ace’s brother, Trevon Bullard, and several friends in a 2018 drive-by shooting.

Ace, who miraculously survived being shot eight times during the same attack, channeled his grief and anger into his music, gaining a massive following in the process. Similarly, Foolio’s response to the death of Ace’s loved ones came in the form of diss tracks that mocked the loss, intensifying the feud between the two.

The Shooting that Shocked Jacksonville

On June 23, 2024, just days after celebrating his 26th birthday, Julio Foolio was fatally shot while performing at a nightclub in Tampa, Florida. The incident, which left Foolio dead, sparked widespread shock and confusion, particularly given the years-long animosity between him and Young and Ace. Authorities soon connected the killing to the larger conflict between the rival gangs ATK (Ace’s crew) and KTA (Foolio’s crew).

Foolio’s death followed a pattern of escalating violence between the two camps, with multiple shootings and retaliatory attacks reported over the years. Investigators have since revealed that members of ATK had been tracking Foolio’s movements in the hours leading up to his murder, with several suspects linked to the shooting now in custody.

RICO Charges and the Federal Investigation

In July 2024, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the filing of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges against Young and Ace and his gang, ATK, for their alleged involvement in gang-related violence, including shootings, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. This law allows prosecutors to target entire criminal organizations, making it easier to bring charges against individuals even if they were not directly involved in the crime.

CCTV footage played a key role in the investigation, capturing the suspects’ movements and linking them to the scene of Foolio’s murder. As the RICO case unfolds, more information about the inner workings of both gangs has come to light, with authorities working closely with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) and the U.S. Marshals to build a comprehensive case.

To date, three individuals closely associated with Ace have been arrested: Isaiah Chance (also known as Z Guda), Alicia Andrews, and Sean Wright. All are facing life imprisonment for their roles in the fatal shooting. Police also arrested brothers Rashad and Devian Murphy, key figures within ATK, after a standoff in Jacksonville. Rashad, who reportedly considered suicide before being apprehended, has been charged with multiple offenses connected to the RICO investigation.

The Aftermath and Public Reaction

The fallout from Foolio’s death and the subsequent arrests has sent shockwaves through the rap community and beyond. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are flooded with reactions, many expressing disbelief over the level of violence that has consumed Jacksonville’s rap scene. Some users shared videos of police officers raiding apartments and detaining suspects, sparking intense discussions about the influence of gang culture on young artists.

Young and Ace, however, has managed to evade capture thus far. Rumors suggest that he is hiding, aware that it’s only a matter of time before the authorities catch up to him. His decision to release a song just hours after Foolio’s death, titled “Do It,” raised eyebrows for its disturbing lyrics, which some interpret as a thinly veiled admission of involvement in the murder. The track added fuel to the fire, prompting law enforcement to intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend the rapper.

The Cultural Impact of Gang Rivalries in Rap

The violence surrounding Young and Ace and Julio Foolio’s feud reflects a broader trend in rap culture, where real-life gang rivalries often spill into music. Diss tracks that glorify murder and mock the dead have become a troubling fixture in the genre, attracting both fans and critics. For many young rappers, their music serves as an outlet to express the harsh realities of their lives, but it can also exacerbate the violence they seek to escape.

Jacksonville has long been a hotbed of gang activity, with many young men getting caught up in the cycle of violence that grips their communities. For artists like Ace and Foolio, their fame and wealth only seem to heighten the stakes, as rivalries that began on the streets are magnified by their public personas.

What’s Next for Young and Ace?

While five people are already in custody, Ace remains at large, with law enforcement agencies closing in on him. During a press conference, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized that they are actively monitoring Ace’s movements and that it’s “only a matter of time” before he is apprehended. Waters also pointed out that Ace’s low profile since the case began is likely a strategic decision to avoid arrest, but it may not be enough to escape justice.

As the RICO case develops, more details about the extent of Ace’s involvement in Foolio’s murder and other gang-related activities are expected to emerge. With multiple lives already lost, the future of this once-promising rapper hangs in the balance, and his once-celebrated career now seems all but over.

Conclusion

The ongoing saga of Young and Ace, Julio Foolio, and their respective gangs has captured national attention, offering a grim look at the consequences of street violence in the world of hip-hop. While the legal system works to hold those responsible accountable, the cultural implications of this feud will likely reverberate for years to come.