Authorities are revisiting whether Jonathan Joss’s sexual orientation played a role in his fatal shooting outside his San Antonio home, after earlier dismissing such a link. The “King of the Hill” voice actor was shot Sunday night, sparking a wave of grief and questions.
San Antonio Police initially said there was “no evidence whatsoever” that Joss’s murder was connected to his being gay. But on Thursday, Police Chief William McManus admitted that statement was “premature” and that the possibility remains under investigation. The case has left the local LGBTQ+ community unsettled, especially following claims from Joss’s husband that homophobic slurs were shouted before the shooting.
Police Walk Back Earlier Statement on Motive
The first police update, issued just a day after the shooting, dismissed any connection between Joss’s death and his sexual orientation. But Chief McManus reversed course at a Thursday news conference.
He said, “I will own that and simply say again that we simply shouldn’t have done that.” McManus acknowledged the statement was made too early, before all facts were fully examined.
His comments came amid growing concern from LGBTQ+ residents, who said the initial dismissal felt like a disregard for their community’s fears and experiences. “A lot of it has to do with that premature statement,” McManus said. “The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic, most heavily felt by the LGBTQ+ community.”
This reversal underscores the delicate nature of investigating crimes potentially fueled by hate. Texas does not have a distinct hate crime charge, but if evidence shows homophobia was a motive, it could impact sentencing.
McManus explained, “We gather the facts, and we give those facts to the district attorney’s office. And then that hate crime designation is determined at sentencing.”
A Troubling History of Harassment and Violence
The shooting shocked many, but those close to Joss say it fits into a troubling pattern. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, described the attack in a statement: while checking mail Sunday, a man approached and opened fire, yelling “violent homophobic slurs.”
De Gonzales also shared that both he and Joss had faced harassment before—much of it openly hostile due to their sexual orientation.
Adding to the tragic timeline, Joss’s home had caught fire earlier this year, in January. The fire destroyed his belongings and killed his three dogs. Arson investigators are still reviewing that incident.
Police and Community Interactions Over the Years
Neighbors and police reveal a complicated relationship between Joss and the community around him. San Antonio Police say they responded to roughly 70 calls at or near his home over the past two years. These ranged from neighborhood disputes to disturbances.
Sometimes, Joss himself called the police. Other times, it was neighbors reporting issues related to him.
To try to ease tensions, specialized police units stepped in. The mental health unit and SAFFE, a department that works on crime prevention through community engagement, made multiple attempts to help Joss by mediating conflicts and connecting him to services.
Still, conflicts persisted.
The man charged with Joss’s murder, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, was released on a $200,000 bond after being charged with murder. His attorney, Alfonso Otero, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Remembering Jonathan Joss: A Voice That Will Be Missed
The actor’s death has rippled through the entertainment community. Tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and fans who remember Joss fondly.
Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, the creators and producers of “King of the Hill,” expressed their sorrow in a statement posted to the show’s Instagram page: “His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.”
For many, Joss’s work was a cherished part of their childhood and beyond. His loss is felt deeply across communities.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the situation:
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting Date | Sunday night, recent |
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Victim | Jonathan Joss, voice actor |
| Alleged Motive | Under investigation; possible hate crime |
| Suspect | Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez |
| Bond Amount | $200,000 |
| Previous Incidents | 70 calls to police over 2 years |
| House Fire Incident | January, under arson review |
The investigation is ongoing, and the community waits for more answers. The case has reopened dialogue about violence against LGBTQ+ people in Texas, highlighting fears and the need for justice.
