San Antonio, Texas – Jonathan Joss was fatally shot in Texas, his husband says hate was the motive behind the attack that took his life on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The actor, best known for his role in King of the Hill, was killed outside his former home in San Antonio. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claims the shooting followed years of harassment fueled by anti-LGBTQ+ hate.
A Quiet Visit Turned Deadly
That Sunday evening, Joss and his husband went back to the location of their previous home, which had burned down months earlier after repeated threats from neighbors. According to Gonzales, the threats began more than two years ago and were frequently homophobic.
During the visit, the couple found what appeared to be the remains of one of their dogs. The discovery caused them great emotional pain. While grieving at the scene, a man approached and began shouting homophobic slurs. Gonzales said that the man pulled a gun from his lap and fired. Joss pushed Gonzales out of the way and was shot.
For many who followed Joss’s career, the phrase Jonathan Joss fatally shot in Texas, husband says hate was quickly spread online as a call for justice and visibility.
Joss and Gonzales were visiting the remains of their old home, which had burned down months earlier. Gonzales explained that they had received multiple threats over the years, including warnings that their house would be set on fire. Despite reporting these threats to police, no action was taken.
Then a man approached. Gonzales says the man yelled homophobic slurs. Moments later, he pulled out a gun and opened fire. Gonzales says Joss pushed him out of the way to protect him. The bullet hit Joss, who collapsed beside him. Joss died at the scene.
Suspect Arrested, Motive Under Review
Police arrived at the scene around 7:00 p.m. and found Joss near the road. Emergency responders tried to save him but were unsuccessful. Officers arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, who fled the scene in a car but was caught soon after. He is now facing a murder charge.
The San Antonio Police Department confirmed that they are investigating the possibility of a hate crime. So far, they say there is no direct evidence that the shooting was due to Joss’s sexual orientation.
Remembering Jonathan Joss
Gonzales described Joss as the love of his life. They had just married on Valentine’s Day and were excited about building a future together. In his statement, Gonzales said, “Jonathan saved my life. He gave me more love than most people ever experience.”
He also clarified that he has no current plans for a memorial and does not need financial donations. Instead, he asked people to share their story and raise awareness of what happened.
Police Response and Arrest
San Antonio police responded around 7:00 p.m. and found Jonathan Joss near the street. Emergency teams tried to revive him, but he died at the scene. Officers later arrested the suspect, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, who fled the scene in a vehicle.
He is now charged with murder. Authorities have stated they are looking into whether the shooting qualifies as a hate crime. However, police say they currently have no direct evidence proving the motive was related to Joss’s sexual orientation.
Even so, advocates and friends continue to highlight the keyphrase: jonathan joss fatally shot in texas husband says hate was the reason, as they pressure for a full investigation into past threats and law enforcement’s inaction.
Police arrived around 7:00 p.m. and found Joss near the road. Emergency responders tried to save him but failed.
Officers arrested 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam. He had fled the scene in a car but was quickly caught. He now faces a murder charge.
Investigators are reviewing whether the attack was a hate crime. So far, police say they have not found clear proof linking the shooting to Joss’s sexual orientation.
Husband Speaks Out
Gonzales posted a public statement the next day. He described Joss as a brave and loving man. They had married on Valentine’s Day and were planning their future.
“Jonathan saved my life,” Gonzales wrote. “He gave me more love in a short time than most people get in a lifetime.”
Gonzales said he has no current plans for a memorial. He asked people not to donate to any fundraising pages. Instead, he urged the public to speak out against injustice.
Joss Raised Concerns Before Death
Bill & Ted and Lethal Weapon 2 star Joss Ackland dies.
Two days before the shooting, Joss attended the ATX TV Festival in Austin. During a panel, he spoke out about discrimination. He told the crowd, “My house burned down because I’m gay.”
Joss was best known as the voice of John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill. He was set to return for the upcoming reboot.
