Community Calls for Thorough Investigation into Actor’s Death
San Antonio— In the aftermath of the tragic shooting death of Jonathan Joss, best known for his role in "King of the Hill," calls for a comprehensive investigation are mounting. The actor’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has publicly denounced the killing as a hate crime, a characterization that has sparked significant discussion among community members and officials alike.
SAPD’s Initial Statements Cause Controversy
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) initially stated on social media that there was "no evidence" suggesting a hate crime. This comment, made shortly after Joss’s death on Sunday, drew ire and confusion from the community and prompted SAPD Chief William McManus to later retract the statement, admitting it was "way too soon" to draw such conclusions.
"It was way, way, way premature," McManus emphasized in a subsequent briefing. "We should not have said it."
Legal Context of Hate Crimes in Texas
In Texas, hate crimes are not typically treated as separate charges but are considered sentencing enhancements that require prosecutors’ discretion. Following the SAPD’s investigation, it will be up to Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales to decide whether to pursue hate crime enhancements against the suspect, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who is currently facing a charge of murder—potentially punishable by 99 years to life in prison.
Gonzales revealed that in the past eight years, only one hate crime enhancement case was pursued by his office, highlighting the rarity of these situations.
Background on the Incident
Reports indicate that Joss’s tragic death may have stemmed from an ongoing dispute between him and Alvarez, which prompted numerous police calls over the past year. Neighbors alleged that there had been disturbances involving firearms and other weapons at their residences.
Joss’s husband, Kern de Gonzales, lamented that law enforcement had previously overlooked threats made against Joss, seeking assistance yet receiving little support.
Future Considerations
While the district attorney acknowledged the challenges ahead, he remained open to the possibility of pursuing hate crime allegations if evidence emerges that supports such a claim. "I’m not closing the door on the possibility of alleging a hate crime as an enhancement in this case," Gonzales stated.
Developments regarding this case continue to unfold as the community seeks justice for Joss and hopes for a thorough investigation.
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