Deputies: Polk County men killed, robbed man to 'flash cash' at their rap show

WINTER HAVEN - Two men who robbed and murdered a man after breaking into his home did it for a rap show, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Joseph Edward Gomes-Brandon, Jr.,18, and 21-year-old Jonathan Olin Felix are accused of killing 21-year-old Tyler Macklin at his home in Winter Haven May 11.

Investigators said the men needed a large amount of currency to “flash cash” while they performed rap songs at a show in Tampa. They didn’t have enough of their own money to “demonstrate their desired level of affluence,” so they decided to steal it, said the sheriff’s office.

According to investigators, the idea to target Macklin came from another man, Dylan Kindred, 20.

Deputies said he drove the car to and from Macklin’s home, while Felix and Gomes-Brandon, also known as “Killa” and “Waxx,” carried out the robbery and murder inside.

Investigators said Kindred told them he suggested they rob Macklin because he would be an easy target, but said they were only “supposed to steal cash and drugs” from Macklin, and not hurt him.

An arrest affidavit said, after arriving at Macklin’s home on May 11, Kindred watched as Felix and Gomes-Brandon kicked in the front door.

A short time after seeing them go inside, he heard a gunshot, “then saw the suspects running from the front of the residence”.

When they got back into the car, they had Macklin’s wallet, $300 in cash, and a second firearm that belonged to Macklin.

Deputies said a man, who appears to be Gomes-Brandon, is seen dancing and rapping in a video of the planned performance posted to social media. It happened just hours after the murder, investigators said.

"They are experiencing an environment where there's no rap music at all so any dancing one of them will have to be humming while the other one's dancing," said Judd.

Kindred, 20, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Deputies said Kindred's charge could be upgraded pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Gomes-Brandon and Felix are charged with first degree murder, armed robbery, and various other charges related to the home invasion.  

All three men were arrested Saturday and are being held without bond.