The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of King of the Hill actor Jonathan Joss, who was fatally shot in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1, 2025. As shocking details emerge, Joss’ grieving husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has come forward with an emotional and disturbing account of what he says was a hate-fueled attack years in the making.
Just hours after news of the actor’s death broke, Gonzales shared a raw, heartbreaking post on Joss’ Facebook page—revealing that he was with his husband at the time of the shooting. He described the shooter as a “homophobic neighbor” who had been part of a long campaign of harassment against them.
A Love Story Interrupted by Hate
“We were just checking the mail,” Tristan wrote. The couple had returned to the site of their former home, which had mysteriously burned down months prior after two years of threats and anti-gay slurs hurled at them by local residents.
Despite reporting these threats multiple times, law enforcement allegedly failed to take action.
“They told us they would set our home on fire — and eventually, they did,” Tristan revealed.
The couple had relocated after losing their home, but on that fateful June afternoon, they visited the property one last time — only to discover the remains of one of their beloved dogs, a clear message of hate that triggered unimaginable grief.
“We were yelling and crying. That’s when a man approached, shouting homophobic slurs. Then he raised a gun and fired.”
Jonathan Joss: A Final Act of Love and Bravery
Gonzales, visibly shaken, recounted how Jonathan shielded him from the gunfire, sacrificing his life to save his partner.
“We were just grieving. We had no weapons. Jonathan pushed me out of the way… he saved my life.”
This selfless act speaks volumes about the strength of their bond. Married just this past Valentine’s Day, the couple had been planning a future filled with love, healing, and creative passion.
Remembering Jonathan: A Legacy of Courage
Jonathan Joss was best known for voicing John Redcorn in the animated hit King of the Hill, and most recently, he was scheduled to return for the show’s revival.
In a chilling twist of fate, just two days before his death, Joss disrupted a King of the Hill panel at the ATX TV Festival to speak about the discrimination he had faced, including the burning of his home due to his sexuality.
“I see a wrong, I make it right,” he said to the stunned audience. “My house burned down because I’m gay.”
His words now carry the weight of tragic prophecy.
Seeking Justice and Preserving His Memory
Though Gonzales said he has no immediate plans for a public memorial, his focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and fighting for justice. He urged supporters not to donate, but instead to spread the word about the injustice they faced — one that ended not just in the destruction of their home, but in the loss of a life filled with light, love, and talent.
“Jonathan gave me more love than most people get in a lifetime. He was murdered by someone who couldn’t stand the sight of two men loving each other.”
“He saved me. I will carry that forward. I will protect what he built.”
Investigation Continues
The San Antonio Police Department has confirmed they are investigating Joss’s death, but released a statement saying there is “no current evidence” the murder was a hate crime — a claim that contradicts Gonzales’ emotional testimony.
The alleged shooter, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, a former neighbor, was quickly detained and is now facing a murder charge.
As the case unfolds, friends, fans, and the LGBTQ+ community are demanding a deeper investigation and calling for hate crime protections to be more rigorously enforced.
A Tragic Reminder of the Fight Still Ahead
Jonathan Joss' death is more than a tragic celebrity headline — it's a haunting reminder of the real-life dangers LGBTQ+ individuals still face. Despite love, talent, and a life of contribution, Joss became the target of senseless hatred.
As his husband Tristan continues to mourn and fight for justice, the world watches — not just to remember Jonathan Joss, but to demand better for every couple who dares to love in the face of hate.
Rest in Power, Jonathan.
🕊️ #JusticeForJonathanJoss | 💔 #EndHateCrimes | 🏳️🌈 #LoveIsLove
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