HOUSTON (AP) — Investigators are currently delving into the circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting death of Jonathan Joss, a voice actor best known for his work on the animated series "King of the Hill." Authorities in Texas are examining whether Joss's sexual orientation played a role in his murder, after initially retracting a previous statement that claimed there was no evidence linking his sexual orientation to the crime.
On Thursday, Police Chief William McManus stated that the earlier assertion was "premature." The police department is now considering Joss's sexual orientation as a factor in the investigation, especially following reports that Joss's husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, alleged that the shooter yelled "violent homophobic slurs" before opening fire outside their home in San Antonio on the night of Sunday, June 3, 2025.
The San Antonio police had previously issued a statement indicating they found "no evidence whatsoever" that suggested a hate crime motive. However, McManus acknowledged that the earlier comment was delivered too early in the investigation process. He stated that the premature statement has left many within the LGBTQ+ community feeling "anxious and concerned," noting that "the loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic, most heavily felt by the LGBTQ+ community."
In Texas, separate hate crime charges do not exist; however, if evidence of homophobia surfaces, it could lead to a harsher sentence during trial under the state's hate crimes law. McManus explained that the police collect facts regarding the crime and pass them to the district attorney’s office, which then determines whether a hate crime designation is applicable at sentencing.
Prior to his death, Joss experienced a personal tragedy when his home burned down in January 2025. Joss and de Gonzales were reportedly checking their mail on the night of the shooting when they were approached by a man who then opened fire. The actor's husband has mentioned that they have faced harassment in the past, with much of it being "openly homophobic."
Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, a neighbor of Joss, has been charged with murder in connection to the shooting but has since been released on a $200,000 bond. Joss's death has drawn attention due to previous instances where police were called to his residence about 70 times over the past two years for disturbances, with Joss himself being involved in some of those calls. McManus noted that the San Antonio Police Department’s mental health unit and a community safety unit had multiple engagements with Joss, attempting to mediate conflicts and assist him with needed services.
The fire that destroyed Joss's home is still under investigation by arson experts. The actor lost all his belongings in the blaze, and tragically, his three dogs perished in the fire. Following Joss's untimely death, actors who worked with him, as well as friends and fans, have paid tribute to his memory. The creators and producers of "King of the Hill," including Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, expressed their condolences on social media, stating, "His voice will be missed at King of the Hill."
The ongoing investigation into Jonathan Joss's shooting has raised significant concerns regarding violence against the LGBTQ+ community, and many are awaiting further developments as authorities continue to gather evidence.
