TAMPA, Fla. — In a Hillsborough County court Wednesday, one of five suspects in the murder of Jacksonville rapper Julio Foolio filed two motions with huge implications for his case.
Rashad Murphy submitted requests demanding a speedy trial against his attorney’s wishes, and also asked for the dismissal of his legal counsel altogether.
Murphy wants to move forward representing himself in court, saying Wednesday “I’m good with it, I’m competent.”
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Both the judge and Murphy’s attorney, Brian Gonzalez, warned him against the move, saying it’s extremely dangerous considering Murphy’s life is at risk. This is a death penalty case.
Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones II, was shot and killed outside of a hotel in Tampa. He was there celebrating his 26th birthday. Three other people were also injured in the shooting.
Murphy is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of first-degree attempted murder, and tampering with physical evidence.
The judge outlined that a demand for speedy trial without his attorney’s approval creates an issue with the case and could mean that his defense must try the case in just 5 days.
Earlier this month, Murphy wrote a letter to his judge expressing his frustration at his treatment in the jail and a desire to get out quickly.
“I get treated as if I’ve been found guilty of these allegations I have against me,” he wrote. Murphy claims certain deputies will not let him “send mail, call my lawyers, prepare for my case sitting behind me while I’m in the law library only giving me 15 minutes...”
Murphy previously said that he was considering an insanity plea.
Next week, the state of Florida will hold a hearing to determine if he’s in an acceptable state of mind and able to move forward with the speedy trial.
That hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4th at 11 a.m.
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