Police Address Lack of Hate Crime Charge in Voice Actor Killing
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Law enforcement in Texas explained why the man accused of shooting King of the Hill voice actor Jonathan Joss has not been charged with a hate crime.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said in a press conference on Thursday that hate crimes are not separate charges in the state but are instead addressed through sentencing enhancements.
"We don't charge with hate crimes," McManus said. "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."
Joss, 59, was shot multiple times on Sunday at the site of his former home. Officials identified the suspected shooter as 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who lived at a neighboring property. Ceja has been charged with first-degree felony murder.
In this handout photo released by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, suspect Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez poses for a booking photo on June 2, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
In this handout photo released by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, suspect Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez poses for a booking photo on June 2, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Photo by Bexar County Sheriff's Office via Getty Images
Why It Matters
In a Facebook post on Joss' account, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss' husband, said they were approached by a man "yelling violent homophobic slurs." Gonzales said the man then raised a gun and opened fire.
The incident, which happened on the first day of Pride Month, has caused concern among LGBTQ+ members of the community.
"Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation," the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) said in a statement posted to Facebook on Monday. "SAPD investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. Should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly."
McManus said the statement was "way, way, way premature."
"It was way too soon, before we had any real information and I will own that," McManus said.
What To Know
McManus said homicide detectives are continuing to pursue leads to determine what led to the "senseless murder" of Joss.
Gonzales said their former home was burned down in January "after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire." He said he notified law enforcement but "nothing was done."
McManus said there were more than 70 calls to Joss' residence over the past two years involving various neighborhood disturbances. He said some of these incidents were reported by Joss.
"Our safe unit, our mental health units, had extensive engagements with Mr. Joss, making repeated efforts to mediate conflicts and connect him with services that he may have needed," McManus said.
What People Are Saying
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, during a press conference on Thursday: "To our LGBTQ+ community as we observe Pride Month, please know that your safety and trust matter deeply to us."
Tristan Kern de Gonzales, referring to husband Jonathan Joss, in a statement posted to Facebook on Monday: "He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other."
What Happens Next
McManus said officials are "committed to delivering a thorough and complete investigation," which will be filed with the district attorney's office for prosecution. He said they are also working with the San Antonio Fire Department arson investigators to understand how the fire at Joss' former home is connected.
"At this time, the investigation remains active, and we need to be cautious about not releasing too much information that could affect, negatively affect, the upcoming legal process," McManus said.
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