Ep 3. Toni Fratto & Kody Patten
- TV-PG
- February 4, 2019
- 43 min
Toni Fratto and Kody Patten are the focus of the third episode of season 11 of Snapped: Killer Couples. The episode delves into the relationship between the two and the tragic events that led to their eventual arrest.
Fratto and Patten had a tumultuous relationship from the beginning, characterized by jealousy and possessiveness. The two began dating when they were teenagers, and although their love was intense, it soon turned to obsession and violence.
In January of 2011, Fratto's half-sister, Micaela Costanzo, went missing. Fratto was the last person to see Costanzo alive, and initially, she claimed that her sister had run away. However, when Costanzo's body was found in a shallow grave, Fratto and Patten became the prime suspects in her murder.
The investigation into Costanzo's death revealed that Fratto and Patten had conspired to kill her because they believed she was coming between them. According to prosecutors, Patten had beaten Costanzo to death with a shovel, and Fratto had helped bury the body. The couple was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
During their trial, the prosecution painted a picture of a controlling and abusive relationship between Fratto and Patten, with both parties contributing to the murder of Fratto's sister. The defense argued that Patten had acted alone and that Fratto was a victim of his manipulation.
In the end, both Fratto and Patten were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case drew national attention and sparked a debate about the role of social media in young people's relationships.
The episode features interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and legal experts who provide insight into the case and the motives behind the murder. It also includes footage from Fratto and Patten's trial and from their social media accounts, which show the disturbing dynamic between the two.
Snapped: Killer Couples season 11 episode 3 offers a chilling look into the dark side of young love and the devastating consequences of jealousy and obsession. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of toxic relationships and the importance of recognizing warning signs before it's too late.