Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the husband of late actor Jonathan Joss, has turned to social media to demand justice following the tragic death of his partner, whom he claims was the victim of a hate crime. Joss, known for his role in Parks and Recreation, was fatally shot on June 1 in San Antonio, Texas. In a TikTok video posted on June 4, Kern de Gonzales expressed his grief and determination, stating, “Jonathan Joss is my husband. I don’t say ‘was’ because he will always be my husband. He will always be the love of my life.”
Using TikTok to Share Truth, Demand Justice, and Expose Long-Ignored Hate Threats
Despite his unfamiliarity with social media, Kern de Gonzales started a TikTok account called Justice for Joss to share the story and gather public support. After an initial attempt to use a friend’s account was allegedly blocked from going live, he launched his own profile to spread awareness. In his videos, he speaks candidly about the day of the shooting, their life together, and the broader issues of discrimination and violence. He emphasized his intent to keep the conversation going, saying, “We’re gonna laugh together. We’re gonna cry together. We’re gonna be angry together.”
Husband of Jonathan Joss Calls Shooting a Hate Crime and Launches Online Justice CampaignKern de Gonzales maintains that the shooting was a hate crime rooted in years of threats and harassment. In a Facebook post dated June 2, he detailed how their former home had been set on fire after repeated threats from neighbors, which they had reported to law enforcement with no apparent action taken. He strongly believes Joss’s murder was motivated by bias, saying he will not let the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) or anyone else “silence the fact that this was a hate crime.”
Authorities Deny Hate Crime Motive as Husband Vows to Keep Seeking Justice
The SAPD has stated that their investigation has uncovered no evidence to suggest that Joss’s murder was connected to his sexual orientation. They acknowledged the widespread mourning over Joss’s death and emphasized their commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances. In a social media update, they invited the public to attend a community meeting hosted by Pride San Antonio, where updates and concerns would be addressed. The suspect, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder but was released after posting a $200,000 bond.
While the official narrative remains contested, Kern de Gonzales is resolute in his campaign to honor Joss’s memory and push for accountability. He vows to continue speaking out, fueled by the love he shared with Joss and the belief in doing what is right. “I may not be as loud as my husband,” he said, “but I carry his strength with me.” Through social media and public engagement, he hopes to ensure that Joss’s death is not forgotten and that justice is ultimately served.