San Antonio is reeling after the shocking death of “King of the Hill” star Jonathan Joss, with new twists emerging almost daily. The actor’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, and the San Antonio Police Department have presented sharply different accounts about what motivated Sunday’s fatal shooting.

Police now admit they may have spoken too soon when initially dismissing the possibility that Joss’s killing was a hate crime. Daily Mail Online reports that authorities have apologized for their premature statement and promised a more thorough investigation.

The murder of Joss, 59, has shaken the LGBTQ+ community and left fans devastated. The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, was arrested at the scene and released on $200,000 bail while investigators continue to probe whether homophobia played a role in the deadly altercation.

Police walk back denial

San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus publicly retracted an earlier statement that had ruled out hate as a motive. Speaking at a Thursday press conference, McManus acknowledged the department had acted “way too prematurely,” saying, “We shouldn’t have done that, it was way too early to make a statement of that nature, we didn’t have information to make that statement.”

The department’s initial statement, which quickly sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates, read: “Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently, the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation.” That message left many in the LGBTQ+ community feeling alienated and overlooked, especially during Pride Month.

McManus addressed those concerns directly, adding, “We understand the LGBTQ+ community are feeling anxious and concerned, a lot of it has to do with that statement, we’re sorry.” He emphasized that police are committed to a “thorough and complete investigation” and are working closely with the district attorney.

Husband alleges harassment

Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has insisted the shooting was the culmination of two years of harassment by “openly homophobic” neighbors. Gonzales claimed the couple, who married on Valentine’s Day, had been repeatedly targeted and that the altercation with Ceja was hate-fueled.

Gonzales recounted the events leading up to the shooting on Facebook, writing:

When we returned to the site to check our mail we discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view. This caused both of us severe emotional distress. While we were doing this a man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired. Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.

Gonzales has vowed to preserve Joss’s legacy and bring attention to violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. He maintains that the shooting was “a homophobia-fueled murder,” a claim that police have not yet substantiated with evidence.

Neighborhood tensions and troubled history

San Antonio police revealed that there had been 70 calls to Joss’s residence over the past two years, mostly related to disturbances involving neighbors. Mental health services had made repeated attempts to mediate disputes and provide Joss with support, according to Chief McManus.

New details have also surfaced about the circumstances leading to the shooting. An unnamed witness told police she had driven Joss from Austin to his burned San Antonio home to check the mail on June 1. While waiting in the driveway, she saw Ceja pull up and begin arguing with Joss. She claimed Ceja threatened Joss with a gun before shooting him.

Ceja was arrested at the scene and, according to the police report, immediately told officers, “I shot him.” Police seized Ceja’s weapons and booked him on suspicion of murder, but he was released on bail days later.

Why This Story Matters

Jonathan Joss’s murder is not only a personal tragedy but also a painful episode that raises issues around bigotry, neighborhood conflict, and systemic responsiveness. The case highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to avoid premature conclusions, especially when bias may be involved. As a public figure and member of marginalized communities, Joss’s death resonates broadly across audiences seeking accountability and justice.

Conclusion

Actor Jonathan Joss, known for his voice work on “King of the Hill,” was fatally shot by his neighbor in San Antonio on June 1, following years of neighbor disputes and months after a fire destroyed his home.

The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, admitted to the shooting and is currently out on bail while police reassess the motive to include possible hate-related factors. As the LGBTQ+ and entertainment community mourns Joss’s death, police continue investigating both the shooting and prior arson, pledging a thorough review of the facts leading up to this shocking loss.