Revised Statement in Jonathan Joss Murder Probe as Police Retract Hate Crime Claim

Police Apologize for Dismissing Hate Crime Claims in Jonathan Joss’ Murder
[Image: Jonathan Joss in Parks and Recreation with caption: Joss, known for his role in Parks and Recreation, was fatally shot in San Antonio.]

San Antonio police retracted an earlier statement dismissing claims that the murder of actor Jonathan Joss, famed for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was a hate crime. Chief William McManus admitted the initial denial was issued “way too prematurely,” apologizing to the LGBTQ+ community for the oversight.

Joss, 59, was killed on June 2 during an altercation with neighbor Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja outside his San Antonio home. Ceja, arrested and charged with murder, was released on $200,000 bail. Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, insists the shooting stemmed from homophobic harassment, alleging years of targeted hostility.

Contradictory Statements and Ongoing Investigation
[Image: Suspect Ceja’s vehicle with caption: Ceja was detained after allegedly confessing to the shooting.]

Chief McManus clarified that Texas law treats hate crimes as sentencing enhancements rather than standalone charges, requiring evidence to be presented during trial. He also confirmed authorities are investigating a January fire that destroyed Joss’ home, killing his three dogs. Neighbors claimed the fire resulted from Joss using a BBQ pit for heat after utilities were cut off due to unsafe living conditions.

A witness reported seeing Ceja threaten Joss with a gun before shooting him during a June 1 visit to retrieve mail. Joss was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ceja allegedly confessed immediately.

Legacy and Community Outpouring
[Image: Joss with King of the Hill cast at a 2025 reunion with caption: Joss (far right) attended a King of the Hill reunion days before his death.]

Joss, a Native American actor, was celebrated for his role as John Redcorn in King of the Hill and Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation. He also appeared in films like True Grit and The Magnificent Seven. Days before his death, he joined co-stars at an ATX TV Festival reunion.

Fans and colleagues mourned his loss online, calling him a “legend” and praising his iconic voice acting. A GoFundMe for Joss, created after the January fire, raised over $10,000.

Gonzales, who wed Joss in February, described the shooting as a hate-driven act, alleging ongoing harassment. He shared on Facebook that Joss saved his life by pushing him away during the attack.

[Image: Police statement screenshot with caption: San Antonio PD initially denied hate crime links but later apologized.]

Authorities continue investigating the murder and prior disputes, including 70 neighbor-related police calls over two years. McManus vowed transparency, stating, “Your safety and trust matter to us deeply.”

Joss’ death has reignited conversations about LGBTQ+ safety during Pride Month, with advocates urging thorough scrutiny of potential bias in the case.

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