One killed, three injured in off-campus shooting
One person was killed and three were injured in a shooting 0.2 miles off campus early Sunday morning, according to the Tampa Police Department.
At 4:40 a.m., Tampa Police received a call of the shooting and found two cars were shot at 11606 McKinley Drive in a parking lot near a hotel, according to the press release.
The USF community received an alert from USF Safe at 5:15 a.m. notifying them of the shooting and advising them to avoid the area. After an additional alert, a final alert at 5:54 a.m. said there was no threat to campus and no future communication is expected.
Move-in for summer B students was on Friday and Saturday. Move-in weekend typically sees an increased number of families by campus.
The shooting was next door to a La Quinta Inn and Suites, which is recommended by USF Student Support Services for those visiting campus.
Tampa Police believe the man who was killed in the shooting is Charles Jones, a Florida rapper, better known as Julio Foolio. Jones was staying in Tampa celebrating his birthday, according to his attorney Lewis Fusco. Fusco confirmed the rappers death, according to a News4Jax article.
The other three victims are being treated at the hospital, Jonee Lewis, Tampa Police public information officer, said in a press conference.
The three injured are in stable condition, according to the press release.
Tampa Police are still investigating the shooting.
This story has been updated.
More Stories
USF’s presidential search slowed in spring, now resumes with new firm
The USF presidential search committee announced this month its plans to move forward with a new search firm in its pursuit of a new university president. In May, USF spokesperson Althea Johnson told The Oracle that USF would move forward with its presidential search after its initial search firm — SP&A Executive Search — finished […]
USF rocket team takes flight in NASA competition despite challenges
In a field in Alabama, USF Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry members waited for Prometheus — the rocket they’d spent nine months crafting — to take flight. USF’s SOAR was among the 53 teams that launched their rockets for the NASA Student Launch in Huntsville on May 4. The USF team placed 18th after launching […]
USF international students navigate travel under new visa limitations
With a ban restricting visa issuance and entry into the U.S. in effect, USF student Arshia Esmaeilian said he is afraid his parents might not be able to see him graduate next year unless the ban is lifted. “I didn’t really ask for this,” said Esmaeilian, a senior chemistry major. “It’s just something I have […]
USF’s Marshall Student Center to reduce hours amid budget constraints
USF’s Marshall Student Center will operate under reduced hours starting in the upcoming fall semester. New operating hours will go into effect starting on Aug. 17 as listed below: Monday–Thursday: Changing from 7 a.m.–midnight to 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday: Changing from 7 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 a.m.–midnight Saturday: Changing from 8 a.m.–1 a.m. to 8 […]
USF, Crisis Center step up hurricane prep as anxiety lingers from last season
With the arrival of hurricane season in Tampa, USF students – particularly those new to South Florida – may be experiencing increased stress or anxiety after the 2024 season. Running from June 1 to Nov. 30, hurricane season marks the period when tropical storms form and intensify in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National […]
Hillsborough County to explore building sports complex at MOSI site
Another development project could soon be in the works at a rapidly changing area in Tampa. Hillsborough County Commissioners voted unanimously on May 7 to prioritize building an indoor sports complex at the Museum of Science and Industry site on Fowler Avenue. Though still in its early stages, the MOSI CEO and Temple Terrace mayor […]