Winter Haven, FL – September 9, 2025 – The conclusion to a horrific murder case has been reached as the second of two Polk County brothers has been sentenced. Angel Lobato was sentenced to life in prison on September 3, 2025, following a conviction by a Polk County jury. His brother, Jo Lobato, was sentenced to life in prison on November 8, 2024, for the same offenses.
According to statements from Jo Lobato, he began communicating with the victim via social media approximately one month prior to the incident. Angel Lobato and Jo Lobato lacked employment, funds, and a vehicle at the time. They identified the victim as a target for robbery to acquire a vehicle and money. Angel Lobato stated that the plan involved robbing and killing the victim to gain recognition in their social circle. Angel Lobato instructed Jo Lobato to maintain social media contact with the victim, simulating interest in a relationship, until an in-person meeting could be arranged to execute the plan.
Jo Lobato stated that he arranged to meet the victim in the Central Park area of Winter Haven after the victim’s work shift. Once the victim indicated he was en route, Angel Lobato armed himself with a metal bat and positioned himself at a pre-selected location. Jo Lobato directed the victim to park near Lake Howard at the designated spot. Angel Lobato then struck the victim multiple times with the bat. Both brothers subsequently used a knife to cut the victim’s throat.
The victim was reported missing by his mother on November 4, 2020. The report noted that the victim had not answered his phone after completing his shift at the Publix Warehouse. Suspicious activity was also reported on the victim’s bank account on that date.
On November 10, 2020, the victim’s body was discovered in an overgrown wooded area on Helicopter Road in Lake Wales during an environmental survey of the property.
On November 14, 2020, the Lobato brothers were located inside a truck at an auto parts store on State Road 60 in Lake Wales. Upon apprehension, both individuals confessed to the crime.
Angel Lobato and Jo Lobato were arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The charges included first-degree murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, accessory after the fact, grand theft, tampering with physical evidence, criminal use of personal identification information, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer.
Both brothers were convicted of first-degree murder by a Polk County jury.
State Attorney Brian Haas acknowledged the contributions of Assistant State Attorney Ralph Guerra, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lakeland Police Department in the prosecution of the case.
Source: 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office
