Jonathan Joss’ Husband Speaks Out: “He Was Murdered for Who He Loved”

In a heartbreaking turn of events, actor Jonathan Joss, best known for voicing John Redcorn on King of the Hill, was shot and killed on June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. But as new details emerge, it’s clear this wasn’t just another tragedy—it’s a story of love, loss, and an alleged hate crime that has shaken fans, activists, and the entertainment world.

Just hours after the fatal shooting, Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, broke his silence in a powerful and emotional Facebook post. He was there when it happened. And according to him, the shooting was the culmination of years of homophobic harassment, threats, and neglect by local authorities.

Joss and Gonzales had only recently tied the knot—on Valentine’s Day 2025. They were newlyweds, still making plans for their future together when everything changed. On the day of the shooting, the couple was visiting their former home—now burned to the ground after what they claim were years of threats and intimidation from hostile neighbors.

The visit turned traumatic when they allegedly discovered the remains of one of their beloved dogs on the property. In shock and grief, they began yelling and crying. That’s when, according to Gonzales, a man approached them, hurled homophobic slurs, and opened fire.

“Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were grieving,” Gonzales wrote. “He pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.”

Gonzales revealed that the harassment they endured spanned over two years, including threats to burn down their home—threats that became a reality. They reported the abuse to law enforcement multiple times, but nothing changed.

“Much of the harassment was openly homophobic,” Gonzales explained. “Jonathan was murdered by someone who couldn’t stand the sight of two men loving each other.”

In a tragic twist, just two days before his death, Joss publicly voiced his pain at the ATX TV Festival, where he disrupted a panel for the King of the Hill reboot. “My house burned down three months ago because I’m gay,” he said into a microphone, speaking with conviction. That moment, previously overlooked, now haunts those who witnessed it.

The San Antonio Police Department has since detained 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, a neighbor of Joss, who fled the scene after the shooting. He has been charged with murder. While police say they are investigating the possibility of a hate crime, they also stated that there’s currently “no evidence” tying Joss’s death directly to his sexual orientation.

Still, Gonzales’ statement paints a grim picture of repeated threats, emotional trauma, and a system that allegedly failed them.

Fans Mourn, Community Rallies

Joss was beloved not just for his acting talent but for the unique voice and cultural identity he brought to his roles. His portrayal of John Redcorn helped bring Indigenous characters to mainstream television. He was also set to return for the King of the Hill revival, a role he was passionate about despite personal struggles.

Now, his fans, friends, and LGBTQ+ advocates are mourning. While a memorial has not yet been planned, Gonzales made one thing clear: “Jonathan saved my life. I will carry that forward. I will protect what he built.”

Rather than donations, Gonzales urged people to raise awareness about the injustice they endured. “We had so many beautiful plans for the future,” he wrote. “Please help me make sure his legacy lives on.”