Winter Haven, FL – Two Florida brothers were sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating the robbery and murder of a man they met online, prosecutors say. The case highlights the dangers of online deception and senseless violence driven by the pursuit of “street cred.”
Brothers Manipulated Victim Online
Angel Lobato, 23, and Jo Lobato, 24, were both convicted by juries of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and related charges for the 2020 death of 21-year-old Danne Frazier. Angel received his life sentence last week, while Jo was sentenced in November 2024.
Prosecutors stated that Jo Lobato initiated contact with Frazier online, creating a fake romantic relationship. The Lobato brothers’ actual intent, however, was far more sinister: they planned to rob and murder Frazier to establish their reputation in local criminal circles.
“In doing so, they would earn their ‘stripes’ in the streets,” a press release from authorities said.
The Deadly Encounter in Central Park
Jo Lobato lured Frazier to Central Park in Winter Haven after work. As they walked, Angel Lobato waited behind a tree armed with a baseball bat. The plan involved Jo distracting Frazier with a “kiss,” while Angel attacked…