Jonathan Joss, the voice actor recognized for his role on “King of the Hill,” was shot and killed outside his San Antonio home Sunday, prompting a homicide investigation now focused on whether anti-gay bias played a role in the crime.

According to Breitbart, authorities are re-evaluating initial claims that denied a hate crime motive in the shooting of Joss following new allegations by his husband and ongoing community concern.

The shooting occurred outside Joss’ residence in San Antonio, Texas, where he lived with his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales. Joss was killed by gunfire, and soon after, his husband came forward alleging that the shooter shouted hostile slurs related to Joss’ sexual orientation during the incident. “Violent homophobic slurs” were yelled just before Joss was shot, according to Kern de Gonzales. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, San Antonio police initially stated that there was “no evidence whatsoever” pointing to Joss’ identity as a motive for the killing.

But by Thursday, June 5, the department reversed course. Police Chief William McManus acknowledged that the original statement had been made too hastily, saying it was “way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued.”

Police Respond to Concerns Within LGBTQ+ Community

Chief McManus went on to confirm that investigators are now considering the possibility that anti-LGBTQ+ bias may have motivated the killing. He noted the impact the incident has had on the wider community. “The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic,” McManus said, pointing out that the most affected in the aftermath has been the LGBTQ+ population. He emphasized that while Texas hate crime law does not include a separate charge category, hate-driven motives can influence sentencing outcomes.

According to McManus, police are responsible for collecting evidence and presenting it to prosecutors. Any hate crime designation, he said, would ultimately be applied during sentencing, not during the initial legal proceedings.

Suspect Faces Murder Charge After Criminology History Emerges

The suspect in the killing is identified as Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, a neighbor of the victim. He has been formally charged with murder and was released on a $200,000 bond. His attorney, Alfonso Otero, has declined to comment on the case as of Thursday.

The background to the case includes a long history of disturbances involving Joss’ property and his neighborhood. Police were called approximately 70 times in the past two years about the location. According to Chief McManus, sometimes the calls were made by Joss, while other times they came from nearby residents, suggesting ongoing tensions. Efforts to address issues in the neighborhood included interventions by the department’s mental health and SAFFE (San Antonio Fear Free Environment) units. McManus said both units had made multiple attempts to mediate conflict involving Joss and to connect him with support services.

Ongoing Investigations Extend Beyond the Shooting Incident

Earlier this year, in January, Joss’ home was destroyed by a fire that remains under investigation by arson authorities. According to reports, the actor lost all his belongings in the blaze, and three of his dogs perished in the incident.

His husband, Tristan, stated that the harassment they previously experienced in the neighborhood was "openly homophobic." That history, combined with the alleged slurs used during the shooting, has raised new questions about whether Joss’ identity as a gay man may have made him a target. The evolving investigation into these incidents — both the house fire and the fatal shooting — continues to bring scrutiny to the circumstances surrounding Joss' final months of life.

Tributes Highlight Loss to Fans and Colleagues

In the days following Joss’ death, tributes have flooded in from friends, fans, and colleagues. Many highlighted his unique contributions as a performer and advocate. Joss was best known for voicing characters on the popular Texas-set animated series “King of the Hill.”

Show creators and producers Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson issued a joint message following the news. They expressed their sorrow and described Joss as an irreplaceable talent whose voice helped shape the series. “His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family,” they wrote. As investigations continue, Joss’ supporters are focusing efforts on advocating for accountability and transparency in the legal process. The added attention on potential bias-related motives underscores wider concerns within the LGBTQ+ community regarding safety and justice.

Joss Remembered as More Than His Roles

Beyond his television roles, Joss was seen by many in his community as a beacon of pride and resilience. His murder has ignited broader conversations about protection for LGBTQ+ individuals in Texas, particularly in areas with long-standing neighborhood disputes. Chief McManus has promised a thorough and impartial investigation, stating the department remains committed to uncovering the facts and submitting them to the district attorney. That office will assess whether hate played a role under current Texas sentencing laws.

As the legal case moves forward, Jonathan Joss is being remembered not only for his art but also for the complexity of the life he endured in his final chapter — one many hope will bring lasting change in how bias-motivated incidents are handled moving forward.