Following 7 years of uncertainty, new information regarding Mike Rust‘s death is allowing law enforcement officials to bring his killer to justice reports The Pueblo Chieftain.
Related:Â Remains Of Legendary Mountain Biker Found By Authorities | Murder Suspected
Authorities charged 46 year-old Charles Moises Gonzales of Saguache, County with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Gonzales is currently serving a prison sentence at The Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility for illegal possession of a weapon as well as vehicular eluding in Fremont Country.
Back in January, an anonymous tip led police to a piece of property near Moffat, Colorado, which belongs to the Gonzales family. At the property authorities found the long-lost body of mountain bike legend, Mike Rust. The autopsy indicated that Rust was shot in the back of the head.
Speaking on the matter back in February, Gonzales said that he was headed home from collecting firewood when Rust allegedly shot several rounds at his car. He claims that Rust forced him to pull over and accused him of robbing his home. According to Gonzales, they struggled over a pistol before Rust fired a shot and Gonzales fled. Gonzales claims Rust followed him all the way to his family’s property where a second struggle ensued. The suspect recounted the incident saying they wrestled over the firearm until a shot went off, killing Rust.
The following story does not account for the shot delivered to the back of Rust’s head. Gonzales has six felony convictions including assault and sexual assault.
Find the entire Pueblo Chieftain article here:Â Warrant issued in cold case death of mountain biking pioneer