A hotel guest staying in Tampa has provided a dramatic account of a violent incident linked to the ongoing investigation into the shooting connected with rapper Julio Foolio, describing how a sudden explosion-like sound in the middle of the night left his family in panic and confusion.

The witness explained that he had travelled to Tampa with his wife and two children, aged 12 and 8, on June 23 for a short family visit that included plans to go to the zoo. The family checked into La Hacienda Hotel, located near the university area, expecting a routine and peaceful stay.

However, according to his testimony, the situation changed abruptly in the early hours of June 23 at around 4 a.m. While the family was asleep, they were suddenly awakened by a loud explosion-like sound inside their hotel room. The witness described the moment as extremely frightening, saying he initially believed the noise was caused by a bomb.

In his statement, he recalled the immediate fear and confusion that followed the blast. Without hesitation, he focused on protecting his family, ensuring his wife and children were safe as they tried to understand what had just happened. The suddenness of the incident left the entire room in chaos, with all family members in a state of shock.

Following the explosion-like event, the witness’s wife reportedly experienced visible distress. She complained of pain and was later found to have suffered burns on her right foot, adding to the severity of the situation. The unexpected injury intensified concerns about what had occurred inside the hotel room.

Upon inspecting the scene, the family discovered that part of the bedding had been scorched. In addition, they found a small piece of metal embedded in the room area. The witness stated that the discovery raised further alarm, suggesting that a physical object had caused or contributed to the sudden damage.

According to the testimony, the couple’s young son later came across the metal fragment after accidentally stepping on it inside the room. This discovery added another disturbing detail to the incident, reinforcing the chaotic aftermath experienced by the family during their stay.

The witness’s account highlights the fear and confusion experienced by civilians caught in the proximity of a violent event tied to the broader Julio Foolio case. What was intended to be a simple family trip quickly turned into a traumatic experience marked by panic, injury, and unanswered questions.

Authorities have continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while testimonies like this provide further insight into the wider impact of the shooting and its aftermath on bystanders and hotel guests in the area.

The case remains under active review as prosecutors and investigators piece together multiple accounts and forms of evidence related to the events in Tampa.