WYOMING – A Wyoming man has been arrested and charged with the ambush-style murder of 72-year-old Rex Allen Lofts, who was believed to be a domestic abuser. Jose A. Gonzalez, 55, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in relation to Lofts’ death, which occurred on April 21, 2025.
Investigation and Evidence
According to an affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, a Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agent found that multiple informants provided similar accounts of the events leading up to Lofts’ death.
Lofts was discovered dead in his truck, and authorities suspect that he was lured to a location on the Wind River Reservation, known locally as “The Farm,” where Gonzalez and five other individuals ambushed him.
Connection to Domestic Abuse
The investigation reveals that the motivation for the attack was retaliation. A key informant identified a central figure in the case, E.E., who was the nephew of a woman Lofts had allegedly abused in 2024.
The woman reportedly arrived at E.E.’s home bruised and bleeding from her nose, and E.E. later confided that he had “done it,” implying he killed Lofts.
The Role of Jose A. Gonzalez
Authorities believe that Gonzalez played a pivotal role in the ambush. According to the affidavit, Gonzalez’s DNA was found on Lofts’ truck steering wheel and on Lofts’ turned-out pants pockets. The informants linked Gonzalez to the crime, and it was determined that he had ridden with Lofts to the farm under the pretense of meeting Lofts’ girlfriend.
Once at “The Farm,” Lofts was met by five men who ambushed him. Gonzalez reportedly admitted to being in the truck with Lofts when they arrived at the location, where the shooting occurred. Gonzalez stated that during the attack, he “kind of rolled out the side of the door” to avoid being shot.
The Aftermath and Robbery
Following the shooting, three of the suspects allegedly moved Lofts’ body out of the driver’s seat, stole his $90, jewelry, his gun, and 3 grams of meth. One of the suspects drove off in Lofts’ red pickup truck while E.E. and another accomplice followed behind in a separate vehicle. Lofts’ body was eventually found inside the truck.
Charges Against Gonzalez
Jose A. Gonzalez has been charged with first-degree murder, accessory before the fact of aggravated assault and battery, and accessory before the fact of aggravated robbery. He was booked into the Fremont County Jail, where he remains in custody. At the time of reporting, his next court date was not available.
Ongoing Investigation
At this time, no other suspects have been arrested in connection with Lofts’ death. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to piece together details surrounding the crime.
