Actors and fans were left reeling after news broke that Jonathan Joss, best known for voicing John Redcorn on King of the Hill and playing Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, was shot and killed Sunday evening in San Antonio, Texas. Joss, 59, was found badly wounded outside his home. Emergency responders attempted to save him but pronounced him dead at the scene.
Details of the Tragic Shooting
Local police say they responded to reports of gunfire near Joss’s residence. A 56-year-old man, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested and charged with murder. Police noted that they have not yet uncovered evidence to classify the shooting as a hate crime, though they remain open to that possibility if new information arises.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, provided a chilling account on Facebook. He said a gunman approached them as they were checking their mail. The couple had just returned home after their residence burned down earlier in the year—a fire that tragically killed their three dogs. As they reacted to seeing one dog’s skull in front of the burned house, a man threatened them with a gun. Kern de Gonzales claims the attacker hurled “violent homophobic slurs” and opened fire. Joss reportedly pushed his husband out of the way to save his life. “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,” Kern de Gonzales wrote.
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Jonathan Joss’s Career and Legacy
Born Jonathon Joss (often credited as Johnathan Joss), Joss first gained prominence voicing John Redcorn—a Native American character—on the animated hit King of the Hill. The show aired from 1997 to 2009 across 13 seasons and more than 250 episodes, cementing its place as a cult favorite. Joss’s warm, resonant voice brought charm to John Redcorn’s earnest (and often comedic) pursuit of friendship with the Hill family.
Beyond voice work, Joss played Chief Ken Hotate on NBC’s beloved Parks and Recreation. In that role, he portrayed a tribal elder and casino owner, often delivering witty, memorable lines when interacting with characters like Leslie Knope and Tom Haverford. Fans of both series praised his authenticity, respect for his heritage, and ability to infuse humor into serious themes.
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Recent Projects and the King of the Hill Reboot
Just hours before his death, Joss had been in Austin, Texas, promoting a highly anticipated King of the Hill reboot set to premiere in August. He posted an Instagram video from a local comic book store, sharing that he had already recorded four episodes of the revival. In the clip, he signed autographs and chatted excitedly with fans. “The fans get to revisit King of the Hill again, which I think is an amazing thing because it’s a great show,” he said.
His death casts a shadow over the reboot’s return. Co-stars and producers may now face the challenge of honoring Joss’s legacy while continuing production. The warmth and humor he injected into John Redcorn made him a fan favorite. Shows like Parks and Recreation and anime conventions will surely pay tribute to his contributions.
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Community and Industry Reactions
In the wake of Joss’s killing, King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation fans flooded social media with condolences. Co-stars, directors, and voice-acting peers expressed shock and sadness.
- Local Tributes: Fans placed flowers and candles outside Joss’s former home in San Antonio.
- Theatrical Community: Several theaters and comic stores planned memorial showings of King of the Hill reruns in Joss’s honor.
- Hollywood Colleagues: Those who worked alongside Joss—a generous mentor and gentle spirit—lamented the loss of “a rare, kind talent.”
The Investigation and Next Steps
San Antonio police are holding Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja in the city’s detention center. As of now, court records list no attorney for Ceja. Authorities continue to gather evidence from the scene, interview neighbors, and review any video footage. If new findings suggest a hate crime, prosecutors say they will pursue the proper charges.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, must now cope with grieving his partner while navigating legal proceedings. The surprising brutality—coming after an earlier harassment campaign from neighbors—raises urgent questions about safety for LGBTQ+ couples. Kern de Gonzales had described previous homophobic harassment, making this tragedy feel chillingly prolonged.
Remembering Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss leaves behind a vivid legacy: the voice of a memorable animated character and the onscreen presence of a smart, humorous elder in a beloved sitcom. He embodied warmth, wit, and cultural respect. Whether donning the Native regalia for King of the Hill or trading barbs on Pawnee’s City Hall, Joss captured audiences with his authenticity and gentle humor.
As friends, family, and fans come to terms with his sudden passing, his work on King of the Hill, Parks and Recreation, and other projects will continue to entertain and inspire. His final effort—helping usher in a new era for John Redcorn. Serves as a fitting testament to a career marked by kindness and creativity.
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