A victim’s advocate read aloud a letter from Charles “Julio Foolio” Jones Jr.’s mother today as the sentencing phase began for the four men convicted of murdering Jones in Tampa, Florida, in 2024.

Sandrika Mays looked on from the gallery.

00:59 “My name is Sandrika Mays, and I am the mother of Charles Jones. No parent has ever prepared for the pain of losing a child. The loss of my son has completely changed my life and the lives of everyone who loved him.

Charles was more than what people saw online or heard in his music. To me, he was my son, a human, human being with a heart, dreams, flaws and people who loved him deeply.

He was a brother, a friend, an artist, and someone who still has so much life ahead of him. Despite the challenges he faced, he continued to work hard, provide for those around him and pursue his passion for music.

Since his passing, there has been an emptiness in my life that words cannot fully explain.

I struggle emotionally every single day, birthdays, holidays and family gatherings and even ordinary moments now carry pain, because Charles is no longer here. I constantly think about what his future could have been and the memories we were robbed of making together.

The emotional trauma from this loss has affected my mental, emotional and physical well being. Grief is something that I carry daily. No mother should have to bury her child. The pain does not end after the funeral. It follows you every morning and every night. Our family has also suffered tremendously.

His loved ones continue to mourn him while trying to process a loss that happened so suddenly and violently. His death has left emotional scars that will never fully heal. Charles’ death occurred one week after my birthday, two days ago.”