KENS 5 spoke one-on-one with Tristan Kern De Gonzales, who says he felt some comfort on Sunday, surrounded by all the love and support for his husband.
SAN ANTONIO — It’s been one week since the murder of “King of the Hill” voice actor Jonathan Joss.
Sunday evening, a vigil was held at Crockett Park by the LGBTQ+ and indigenous community who came together to remember and celebrate his life.
Many in attendance also demanding accountability and justice over his murder in what friends and loved ones claim was a hate crime.
“It’s really hit home… When we see acts of discrimination, harassment, transphobia, homophobia, ending gun violence. It’s not something that we’re unfamiliar with in our community,” said Erika, program coordinator with Pride Center of San Antonio.
Joss, 59, was killed on Sunday while checking his mail outside his home previously destroyed by fire.
According to a police report, the suspect, 59-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, told officers “I shot him” as they took him into custody near the scene.
Early in the investigation, SAPD released a statement stating there was no evidence to suggest Joss’ murder was a hate crime related to his sexual orientation.
Days later, Chief William McManus took a step back and said that statement was issued too soon.
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern De Gonzales, says they were constantly harassed for their sexual orientation.
“We couldn’t go out in the yard without people yelling things though the fence,” said Kern De Gonzales.
After Joss’ murder, his husband took to Facebook calling the murder a hate crime.
“I think we the community are calling on a thorough investigation of what really happened,” said Erika.
Many people at the remembrance also stood in solidarity with Joss’ husband Tristen, who says he wants Joss to be remembered for his larger than life personality.
“It didn’t matter who you were. It didn’t matter what the world said about you, what your family said about you… He could make you feel like the most important person in the world,” said Kern De Gonzales.