Florida Brothers Sentenced to Life for Luring and Murdering Man Online to Gain ‘Street Cred’
Winter Haven, FL – In a chilling and calculated crime that shocked the community, two Florida brothers, Angel Lobato, 23, and Jo Lobato, 24, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Danne Frazier.
The victim was deceived through an online fake romance and ultimately lured to a park where the brothers robbed and killed him to earn so-called “street cred.” The sentences bring some closure to the harrowing 2020 incident that devastated the victim’s family and stunned law enforcement.
The brothers’ actions reveal the sinister use of online platforms for manipulation and crime, with the intent to carry out armed robbery that escalated into a fatal attack. Both men were convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and other charges, with Angel Lobato sentenced last week and Jo Lobato’s fate determined in November.
Deception and Deadly Intent: How the Crime Unfolded
The incident began nearly a month before the murder when Jo Lobato initiated contact with 21-year-old Danne Frazier under the guise of a potential romantic relationship. Prosecutors revealed that this was a calculated ploy to lure Frazier, who was considered an “easy target.” Their true aim was to rob and kill the young man, gaining recognition in the criminal underworld.
According to court documents and police reports, Jo convinced Frazier to meet him near Central Park in Winter Haven after work. While Jo distracted Frazier with a kiss, Angel was lying in wait, armed with a baseball bat. However, the plan quickly turned violent when Frazier fought back.
“Angel advised he leaned into the backseat and cut the victim’s neck with the knife Jo had been armed with. Angel advised he cut the victim’s neck several times.” – Police Probable Cause Arrest Affidavit
Jo then choked Frazier to subdue him before they forced him into his car. Angel proceeded to assault him with the baseball bat, and the brothers drove the victim to a remote wooded area on Helicopter Road in Lake Wales, where they abandoned his body, covering it with branches.
Community Shock and Law Enforcement Response
The murder sent ripples of horror through the community and beyond. After ten days following Frazier’s disappearance—reported missing by his mother on November 4, 2020—workers conducting an environmental study discovered his body.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed deep condemnation of the crime, emphasizing the innocence of the victim and the malicious intent of the perpetrators.
“These two brothers are pure evil in the flesh. Danne Frazier was just a good kid, trying to comfort someone he met online. They murdered him just so they would have ‘street cred.’ I have no words for this kind of evil. My heart goes out to Danne’s family. They raised a good young man, and they don’t deserve this.”
The Devastating Impact and Legal Outcomes
- Angel Lobato was sentenced to life imprisonment last week for first-degree murder and armed robbery.
- Jo Lobato received his life sentence in November following his conviction on the same charges.
- The murder stemmed from a premeditated plan involving online deception to gain “street cred.”
- The case underscores the dangers of online interactions and the potential for manipulation and violence.
This tragic event highlights the importance of awareness and caution when engaging with individuals online, especially when the interactions seem suspicious or too sudden.
For more detailed information about this crime and the judicial process, visit Law&Crime.
Reflecting on a Tragic Lesson
The murder of Danne Frazier serves as a grim reminder of the dark realities that can emerge from online interactions. It demonstrates how malicious individuals may exploit digital platforms to commit heinous acts. As law enforcement and communities continue to promote safety measures, raising public awareness about online dangers is critical.
What do you think about this tragic case of online deception and violent crime? Have you or someone you know encountered suspicious behavior on social media? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!