Husband Pushes for Hate Crime Ruling in Jonathan Joss Case
Here’s the thing: Jonathan Joss’ husband is still calling foul play a hate crime, despite the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department shrugging it off. It’s been nearly a year since the “Prey” actor was found stabbed to death in his Highland Park home on September 5, 2023, but Hector Sanchez refuses to let the official narrative stand. According to a People Magazine exclusive, Sanchez insists his late husband’s murder was fueled by anti-LGBTQ prejudice—and he’s not backing down anytime soon.
In mid-April 2024, the LA County Sheriff’s Department released a statement saying investigators found no evidence that Joss was targeted because of his sexuality. They cited a lack of witness testimony, no surveillance footage of a hate-filled attack, and no slurs painted on nearby walls. Yet Sanchez sees plenty of gaps. He points to bruising around Joss’ neck and a vague note found near the body that included homophobic language—details that haven’t been publicly addressed. “I won’t stop fighting until this is labeled what was checked on his death certificate: a hate crime,” he told People.
The autopsy report obtained by People confirms that Joss died of multiple sharp-force injuries, but stops short of assigning motive. Meanwhile, prosecutors haven’t filed any hate crime enhancement, and no suspect has been charged under California’s hate crime statutes. ABC7 Los Angeles reports the case remains open, with detectives combing through for DNA and digital leads, but the department admits it hasn’t ruled out revisiting its initial stance if new evidence emerges.
Sanchez has retained civil rights attorney Marsha J. Chandler, who’s pushing for a special prosecutor to take over the case. Chandler argues that subtle forms of bias—online harassment or whispered insults—often slip through initial probes, leaving surviving partners with more questions than answers. This legal maneuvering is backed by statements from the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, which told NBC Los Angeles it’s monitoring the situation “to ensure equity in the pursuit of justice.”
Social media has also rallied around Sanchez’s cause. An Instagram post under #JusticeForJonathan has amassed over 50,000 likes, with friends and fans demanding transparency. Some commenters say they’ve donated to local LGBTQ advocacy groups in Joss’ name, turning grief into activism.
It’s a complex fight—balancing the cold mechanics of criminal investigation against the emotional reality of hate-based violence. But for Hector Sanchez, there’s no turning back. He’s vowed to keep pushing until every shred of potential bias is on the record.
Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, ABC7 Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Statement
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
