San Antonio Police Chief Regrets Statement Denying Jonathan Joss' Murder Was a Hate Crime

Published: June 5, 2025

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus has expressed regret over a statement released by the department claiming their investigation determined "no evidence whatsoever" that the death of Jonathan Joss, a King of the Hill star, was a hate crime.

During a press conference on June 4, McManus that the statement was "way too soon" and admitted he "shouldn't have done it" because it "was way too soon before we had any real information."

"The loss of Jonathan Joss was tragic and most, most heavily felt by the LGBTQ+ community," McManus said.

Joss was shot and killed on June 1, and authorities initially claimed that there was no evidence to suggest that his death was a hate crime. However, Joss' husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, alleged that there was a history of "harassment" towards them from neighbors and that the shooter was yelling "violent homophobic slurs" at the scene.

McManus acknowledged those allegations, explaining that "hate crimes are not separate charges" in Texas, but rather "enhancements" to existing charges. He added that the department's homicide detectives are continuing to pursue every lead in the case to ensure that they understand the full picture of what led up to the senseless murder of Joss.

In recognition of the LGBTQ+ community and Pride Month, McManus announced that the SAPD will be holding a community forum that night at a local center. "Please know that your safety and trust matter deeply to us," he noted.

McManus also addressed Gonzales' claims that a fire, which burned down the house he and Joss lived in on the property where the shooting took place, was started intentionally. He revealed that the investigation is still active and that law enforcement is working closely with the fire department's arson investigators to look into a possible connection between cases.

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