Alicia Andrews Seeks New Trial in Foolio Murder Case

Alicia Andrews is seeking a new trial or the overturning of her conviction for manslaughter in the death of Charles Jones, the Jacksonville rapper known as Julio Foolio. During a court appearance on May 11, 2026, Andrews’ legal team requested that she be acquitted or granted a new trial, arguing that she did not receive a fair trial during her initial proceedings.

Andrews was found guilty of manslaughter in October in connection with the killing of Jones. She was tried separately from four male co-defendants, who were found guilty of first-degree murder. While the co-defendants faced more severe charges, Andrews was convicted of a lesser offense.

The current request for a new trial follows the removal of the original presiding judge, Michelle Sisco. In January, Andrews’ defense team successfully petitioned to have Sisco removed from the case. The defense alleged that Sisco displayed repeated bias against Andrews and her legal team, including showing favoritism toward prosecutors and attempting to humiliate the defense.

Judicial Conduct and Allegations of Bias

The defense team’s efforts to remove Judge Sisco were based on several instances of alleged judicial misconduct. According to reports from Fox 13 News, one exchange captured by Court TV showed Sisco admonishing a defense attorney in open court.

Ms. Herrera, stop. I didn’t ask you to talk… You need to stop right now because you’ve been making faces throughout this entire trial.

Further reports from Court TV indicated that the motion to remove Sisco, which the judge initially denied before it was successful on appeal, accused her of laughing at defense attorneys. The defense also claimed that Sisco pressured attorneys to wrap up their questioning of witnesses and allowed prosecutors to present evidence to the jury that was irrelevant to the case.

Attorneys for Andrews now argue that these consequential rulings by Sisco directly helped shape the guilty verdict. They are asking a new judge to review these actions and determine if the conviction should be overturned.

Legal Challenges to the Verdict

The defense has challenged multiple components of the trial process. Beyond the conduct of the judge, the legal team is questioning the validity of the jury instructions provided during the trial.

Specific disputes have also arisen regarding the evidence presented to the jury. The defense is challenging the handling of domestic violence evidence involving Andrews and her boyfriend, as well as general rulings regarding which pieces of evidence the jurors should have been permitted to hear.

These challenges are central to the defense’s argument that the trial was fundamentally unfair and that the resulting manslaughter conviction should not stand.

The Prosecution’s Case

The state’s case against Andrews centers on her alleged role in a coordinated effort to target Charles Jones. Prosecutors asserted that Andrews assisted her boyfriend and three other men in tracking and stalking Jones.

According to prosecutors, these actions were part of an ongoing gang war within Jacksonville. The state argued that this coordination was essential to the events that led to the death of the rapper.

The outcome of the current request for a new trial or acquittal will determine whether Andrews proceeds to sentencing or returns to trial before the new judge.