Actor Jonathan Joss Murdered; Investigation Underway
In a tragic incident, 59-year-old actor Jonathan Joss, known for voicing the character John Redcorn on the animated series "King of the Hill," was shot and killed over the weekend. While a suspect has been arrested, the motive behind the murder remains shrouded in ambiguity, particularly concerning allegations of homophobia.
The San Antonio Police Department announced that they currently have no evidence to support claims that Joss's murder was a hate crime. In a recent statement, they indicated, "Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation." They assured the community that they take such allegations seriously, and they will act upon any new evidence that may surface.
Husband Alleges Homophobic Hate Crime
In stark contrast, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, asserts that the murder was motivated by homophobia. According to de Gonzales, the couple had returned to the site of their former home, which had been destroyed by fire in January, to check their mail. Heartbreakingly, they discovered the skull of one of their dogs, a traumatic reminder of their loss, which provoked a strong emotional reaction from both men.
De Gonzales claims that shortly after their emotional display, a man confronted them, hurling violent homophobic slurs before opening fire. He recounted, "Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life," underlining the heroism of his late husband in the face of danger.
History of Harassment and Threats
De Gonzales elaborated that he and Joss had faced regular harassment due to their relationship, including direct threats to their safety. He mentioned that these threats had been documented, yet no actions were taken by law enforcement to provide protection prior to the tragic occurrence. This background of harassment adds layers to the narrative, raising urgent questions about the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals within their communities.
Community Response and Support
Following the news of Joss’s death, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support de Gonzales and honor Joss's memory. Many community members and fans of the actor expressed their condolences, recognizing the cultural impact Joss made through his work in television and film. As the investigation into the murder continues, the public remains anxious for clarity regarding the motive behind this devastating event.
Conclusion
The case of Jonathan Joss serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the urgent need for a thorough investigation into hate crimes. The San Antonio community awaits further developments as the legal process unfolds, hoping for justice for the beloved actor and his grieving husband.
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