Update: San Antonio Police Chief William McManus publicly apologized for the department’s “premature” statement dismissing the possibility that Jonathan Joss’ killing was a hate crime. McManus admitted it was "way too early" to make that claim, acknowledged community concern, and clarified that hate crimes in Texas are addressed as sentencing enhancements rather than separate charges. The investigation remains open, and calls for justice are growing louder.

Jonathan Joss, the voice behind John Redcorn on King of the Hill, was shot in the head outside his San Antonio home on June 2, 2024. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, held him in his final moments—comforting him, telling him it was okay to let go.

As Jonathan lay dying in Tristan’s arms, the man accused of killing him allegedly shouted a homophobic slur—“jotos”, a Spanish slur for gay men.

That moment wasn’t isolated. According to Tristan, the couple had endured years of harassment from neighbors, including frequent use of that very slur. Despite this, and despite Tristan’s belief that Jonathan was targeted because of his sexual orientation, the San Antonio Police Department insists there is "no evidence" of a hate crime. Authorities have not shared a motive or any further explanation of why this act of violence occurred.

We can’t accept silence as justice. If hateful words spoken over a dying man don’t meet the standard for a hate crime investigation—what does?

Tristan and Jonathan lived in Jonathan’s childhood home. They were repeatedly reported for “disturbances.” They felt unwanted in their neighborhood. After a fire left them homeless earlier this year—a fire Jonathan believed a neighbor set—they still returned to collect their mail. That’s when they say they found their dog’s skull on the property. Moments later, Jonathan was killed.

The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, confessed to the shooting upon arrest. He has not publicly responded or acquired legal counsel. But his alleged words—and the years of homophobic hostility this couple endured—demand scrutiny.

We are calling on the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County District Attorney's Office to:

• Classify this case as a potential hate crime and investigate it fully under that lens
• Consider the entire context—including slurs, threats, and ongoing harassment—in determining motive
• Be transparent with the public about the findings and the process

Jonathan Joss was a cherished artist, a newlywed, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. He mattered. His life mattered. The truth of his death matters.

Justice requires more than an arrest—it requires acknowledging the role that hate can play.