Missing Paris woman found dead in Oklahoma

Photo – Facebook

The body of Stephanie Loftin was discovered Monday in Love County, Oklahoma. Love County Sheriff Andy Cumberledge said Loftin was found buried in a hidden grave in the western part of the county.

Loftin was reported missing from Paris on December 6, 2023. A rented vehicle registered to Lofton was located in Stephens County abandoned on December 14th.

According to Stephens and Love County law enforcement, the vehicle led them to a suspect and estranged boyfriend, Michael Gonzalez. Through the course of the investigation, the victim had been shot and killed by Gonzalez and buried on the night of December 3rd into the morning of December 4th.

Gonzalez then fled the state to California. An arrest warrant was issued and he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department. He was extradited to Oklahoma where he is facing the charge of First Degree murder and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

An online benefit account has been established to help Loftin’s family with funeral expenses. You can click here to donate – https://www.gofundme.com/f/stephanie-fender?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&utm_content=facebook_cta_variant&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1m2roJb8qHyZQal67ezXaXYE6fmiSjp1rqCS1wMLBm4CZOSgY8QX6hWE0