A 55-year-old Wyoming man is behind bars after authorities say he helped orchestrate an ambush-style killing tied to allegations of domestic abuse.
Jose A. Gonzalez has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 72-year-old Rex Allen Lofts, who was found dead inside his red pickup truck on April 21, 2025.
According to a court affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, investigators with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation uncovered a series of consistent statements from informants pointing to a planned retaliation.
Authorities allege Gonzalez lured Lofts to a property on the Wind River Reservation known locally as “The Farm,” where five other men were waiting to confront him.
Investigators say the motive centered around claims that Lofts had abused a woman he was dating in 2024. A key figure identified in court documents as E.E. is reportedly the nephew of that woman. One informant told authorities that E.E.’s aunt showed up bruised and bleeding from her nose after an alleged incident with Lofts.
The same informant later claimed E.E. admitted to “doing it,” allegedly referring to Lofts’ killing.
Physical evidence reportedly tied Gonzalez directly to the crime scene. According to the affidavit, his DNA was found on the steering wheel of Lofts’ truck — where Lofts’ remains were discovered months later — as well as on Lofts’ turned-out pants pockets.
Investigators believe the killing took place around Dec. 2, 2024.
When questioned, Gonzalez allegedly admitted he rode with Lofts to The Farm after Lofts was told his girlfriend wanted to meet there to talk. Authorities claim Gonzalez was the one who told Lofts she was waiting.
Once they arrived, five men were allegedly lying in wait. Gonzalez told investigators that when gunfire erupted, he “kind of rolled out the side of the door.”
According to officials, after the shooting, several of the suspects allegedly removed Lofts from the driver’s seat, robbed him of $90, his jewelry, a firearm and about three grams of methamphetamine. One suspect then drove Lofts’ truck to the location where it was eventually discovered with his body inside, while others followed in a separate vehicle.
Gonzalez now faces charges of first-degree murder, accessory before the fact of aggravated assault and battery, and accessory before the fact of aggravated robbery. He is being held at the Fremont County Jail. His next court date has not been announced.
So far, no other arrests have been made in connection with Lofts’ death as the investigation continues.
Why is this evil man still walking