In a disturbing case that shocked Florida and the wider online community, two brothers have been sentenced to life in prison for the cold-blooded murder of a young man they lured into a fake relationship. The motive? To gain “street credibility” by committing a violent crime. What started as an online chat turned into a deadly trap, ending the life of a promising 21-year-old.
Online Romance Turned Deadly
In 2020, 21-year-old Danne Frazier was chatting online with someone he thought was genuinely interested in a romantic connection. That person was Jo Lobato, 24, who, along with his brother Angel Lobato, 23, had other sinister plans.
According to investigators, Jo created a fake romantic persona to lure Danne into a meeting. Behind the screen, there was no love or interest—only a calculated plan to rob and kill Danne because the brothers saw him as an “easy target.”
A Chilling Murder Plan
Jo Lobato arranged to meet Danne Frazier in Central Park in Winter Haven, pretending it was just a casual meet-up. While they walked together, Angel Lobato was hiding nearby, armed with a baseball bat.
The plan was brutal and shocking:
Jo would distract Danne with a kiss.
Angel would then launch a surprise attack using the bat.
But when Danne tried to fight back, things escalated even further. Police reports state that Jo Lobato choked Danne, and then Angel repeatedly struck him with the bat before leaning into the car and cutting Danne’s neck multiple times with a knife.
Body Dumped and Covered with Branches
The brothers didn’t stop at murder. They shoved Danne’s body into his car and drove to a remote, overgrown area on Helicopter Road in Lake Wales, where they dumped the body and tried to hide it under branches.
Danne’s mother reported him missing on November 4, 2020, and about a week later, environmental workers stumbled upon his remains.
Justice Delivered
The investigation moved quickly. Within 10 days, both Jo and Angel Lobato were arrested. After separate jury trials, both were found guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and more.
Jo Lobato was sentenced in November 2024
Angel Lobato received the same life sentence just last week
Both will spend the rest of their lives behind bars without the chance of parole.
Police and Community Reaction
The case stirred emotions not just in Florida, but across the country. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed the anger and heartbreak felt by many:
“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.’ My heart goes out to Danne’s family.”
His words reflect the sheer senselessness of the crime and the loss of a young life full of potential.
What We Can Learn From This Tragedy
This case is not just about crime and punishment—it’s a serious reminder about the dangers of online interactions, especially when meeting strangers. While most online relationships are harmless, there are always risks when trust is placed in the wrong hands.
Always stay alert when talking to someone new online:
Meet in public places if you must
Inform a trusted friend or family member
Trust your gut if anything feels off
The murder of Danne Frazier is one of those rare cases that leaves people speechless due to its cruelty. A young man was targeted simply for being kind and open. The life sentences given to Jo and Angel Lobato may bring some justice, but the pain for Danne’s family will last forever. As a society, we must remain aware of the dark corners of the internet and ensure we educate young people about staying safe—both online and in real life.
