On Thursday, January 29, 2026, AllHipHop reported that a Florida judge was removed from the Julio Foolio murder case due to allegations of bias. Defense lawyers argued that Judge Michelle Sisco demonstrated “obvious bias” throughout the trial, leading to her disqualification.
The disqualification came after Judge Michelle Sisco oversaw the case of Alicia Andrews, who was convicted of manslaughter in October by Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal. Andrews was found guilty in connection with the shooting death of Jacksonville rapper Charles “Julio Foolio” Jones in Tampa.
Jeremy McLymont, Andrews’ defense attorney, submitted an 18-page petition asserting that Judge Sisco failed to maintain “cold neutrality” and acted in a manner that favored Andrews’ conviction. The petition included 16 video clips extracted from the streamed trial as evidence to support the claim.
McLymont stated, “Everyone is entitled to a fair trial, including Ms. Andrews.” He expressed confidence that the disqualification would lead to a new trial for his client following further litigation.
The appellate court’s three-judge panel deemed McLymont’s petition “legally sufficient” and mandated the immediate appointment of a new judge. Chief Judge Christopher Sabella of Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit is now tasked with assigning a replacement to handle Andrews’ sentencing.
McLymont’s petition detailed several instances where Judge Sisco allegedly displayed favoritism towards the prosecution. She reportedly sustained objections from prosecutors while allowing hostile commentary from the state’s attorneys.
Andrews was the first of five defendants to be tried in connection with Foolio’s murder. Her boyfriend, Isaiah Chance, is awaiting trial alongside co-defendants Sean Gathright, Rashad Murphy, and Davion Murphy. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the four men, but not Andrews.
Surveillance footage revealed three gunmen ambushing Foolio with AR-style rifles and a Glock 19 as he sat in his Dodge Charger outside a Tampa Holiday Inn on June 23, 2024. Andrews and Chance were reportedly in the vicinity of the parking lot. Prosecutors allege that Andrews assisted in planning the murder by tracking Foolio as he celebrated his 26th birthday.
The case originates from a long-standing feud between Jacksonville drill rap gangs ATK and KTA. Foolio was associated with KTA (Kill Them All), while his rival Yungeen Ace leads ATK. These groups have been feuding for years, with both sides making music videos celebrating murders of rivals and dumping champagne on graves.
A jury acquitted Andrews of first-degree murder and conspiracy charges but convicted her of manslaughter on October 31. Judge Sisco had scheduled sentencing for December 8, but the appellate court stayed the hearing while reviewing the disqualification petition. McLymont intends to use the disqualification as grounds for seeking a new trial for Andrews.
Source: AllHipHop
