A man from Wyoming has been arrested in relation to the ambush-style murder of a 72-year-old man, who was reportedly involved in domestic abuse. The suspect, identified as 55-year-old Jose A. Gonzalez, faces charges of first-degree murder in the death of Rex Allen Lofts.

According to an affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, a Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agent is probing the case, which involved Lofts being found deceased in his vehicle on April 21, 2025. A network of informants reportedly provided consistent accounts of the events leading to Lofts’ death.

Evidence has primarily implicated Gonzalez, who is accused of enticing Lofts to a site on the Wind River Reservation, known locally as “The Farm,” where five others allegedly lay in wait. The affidavit highlights the involvement of an individual referred to as E.E., who is said to be the nephew of a woman Lofts dated in 2024. Lofts allegedly abused this woman, leading to the events in question.

An informant revealed to investigators that E.E.’s aunt appeared at his residence with visible injuries, including bruises and a bleeding nose. E.E. reportedly confessed to this informant that he was responsible for Lofts’ death, stating that he “did it.”

Authorities, after consulting with informants, concluded that Gonzalez was in the vehicle with Lofts on their way to The Farm. Forensic analysis linked Gonzalez’s DNA to the steering wheel of Lofts’ truck, where Lofts’ remains were discovered months later, as well as to Lofts’ turned-out pants pockets.

The alleged murder is believed to have occurred around December 2, 2024. According to an informant who spoke with E.E., the crime was motivated by a desire for revenge against Lofts for allegedly assaulting E.E.’s aunt. E.E. reportedly expressed a wish to “scare” Lofts because “he kept putting his hands on my auntie.”

When the DCI agent spoke to Gonzalez, he said that he rode in the cab of Lofts’ truck with him to the Farm after Lofts believed that his girlfriend was there to have a talk. Authorities said that it was Gonzalez who told Lofts that she was there. When the two men arrived at the Farm, they were met by the five men, who were allegedly waiting for him and opened fire on Lofts. Gonzalez said that during the alleged shooting, he “kind of rolled out the side of the door.”

After the alleged shooting, three of the suspects moved Lofts’ body out of the driver’s seat, robbed him of $90, the jewelry he was wearing, his gun, and 3 grams of meth, officials say. One of the men allegedly got into the driver’s seat of Lofts’ red pickup, while E.E. and another suspect got into their own vehicle and followed behind as they drove to the location where Lofts’ pickup was eventually found with his remains inside.

According to Cowboy State Daily, Gonzalez was 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. His next court date was not available.

No other suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of Lofts.