Police Investigate if 'King of the Hill' Actor's Sexual Orientation Influenced His Murder

Authorities in San Antonio have reopened the question of whether Jonathan Joss, renowned for his work as a voice actor on the popular animated series "King of the Hill," was targeted because of his sexual orientation. Police are now investigating this as a possible motive after previously stating that there was “no evidence” connecting Joss’ murder to his identity as a gay man. The revision comes as the case has drawn intense scrutiny from both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader public.

Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, reported that the assailant used “violent homophobic slurs” before opening fire at their San Antonio home on Sunday night. The initial statement from law enforcement denying a hate-based motive was labelled by Police Chief William McManus as “premature.” During a Thursday press conference, McManus admitted, “We simply shouldn’t have done that. It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued.” He acknowledged anxiety within the LGBTQ+ community following Joss’ death and the department's earlier comments, stating, “The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic, most heavily felt by the LGBTQ+ community.”

The ongoing investigation could have broader legal implications. Although Texas does not file separate hate crime charges, an anti-LGBTQ+ motive, if proven, may lead to harsher penalties under the state’s laws. “We gather the facts, and we give those facts to the district attorney’s office. And then that hate crime designation is determined at sentencing,” McManus explained. This process will be followed if evidence supports that sexual orientation played a role in the killing.

The turmoil for Joss and his family began months earlier, when their home was destroyed by fire in January—a blaze that also took the lives of their three dogs. Arson investigators are still assessing that incident, which compounded the household’s suffering. According to de Gonzales, the couple faced repeated acts of harassment in the neighborhood, much of it “openly homophobic.” The disturbance and conflict in the area were well-documented; police responded to about 70 calls to Joss' address over two years, mostly involving neighborhood disputes and sometimes requiring specialized units to mediate and offer support services.

Joss’ accused killer, neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, is charged with murder and has been released on a $200,000 bond. His attorney has not provided a public comment. As the legal proceedings move forward, the San Antonio Police Department continues to collect evidence and clarify details surrounding the tragic shooting.

In the days since Joss’ passing, an outpouring of sympathy and remembrance has come from friends, fans, and colleagues. Tributes—including flowers, candles, and personal notes—now line the area outside his former home, forming a makeshift memorial to a beloved figure remembered for his artistry and spirit. Messages from the creators and producers of "King of the Hill" echoed the widespread grief, stating, “His voice will be missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.”