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Jonathan Joss, known for voicing John Redcorn on King of the Hill, was shot to death near his San Antonio home on June 1, 2025. His husband is calling the killing a homophobic hate crime, although police say they have found no evidence of that motive as the investigation continues. A suspect has been arrested in the case.

The San Antonio Police Department addressed the case in a statement posted on Twitter/X. It reads:

SAPD Homicide is currently investigating the murder of Mr. Jonathan Joss. Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation. SAPD investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. Should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly.

Jonathan Joss, 59, the actor who voiced John Redcorn on the animated sitcom King of the Hill and portrayed Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, was shot and killed Sunday night in San Antonio, Texas. Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, had gone to the site of their former home – which burned down in January after alleged threats – to check their mail. De Gonzales said that while they were there, a man approached them and suddenly “started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us” before opening fire. Both men were unarmed during the attack; Joss pushed his husband out of the way when the shooting began, an act his husband says “saved my life.” See de Gonzales’ statement in full below.

De Gonzales described the shooting as a homophobic hate crime. In a social media post and a statement to news outlets, he recounted the couple’s previous experience of threats and harassment, and said the killer was “someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other”. The shooting has deeply shocked friends and fans of the actor.

San Antonio police say the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect: 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a neighbor of Joss and de Gonzales. Alvarez Ceja was taken into custody and charged with murder in the case. Police have not released details on a motive, but officials note that at this stage there is “no evidence” that Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation. Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

Meanwhile, the entertainment community have offered their condolences and tributes. The creators of King of the Hill – Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Saladin Patterson – issued a joint statement saying, “Jonathan Joss brought King of the Hill’s ‘John Redcorn’ to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival. His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family”. In Parks and Recreation, where Joss played Native American tribal elder Chief Ken Hotate, co-star Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson) told People that the cast had “been texting together about it all day” as they mourned his loss. Offerman called Joss “such a sweet guy” and said they “loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate”.

Other colleagues, including Parks and Rec alum Chris Pratt, also paid tribute on social media to Joss’s warmth and kindness. Pratt posted on his Instagram stories: “Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.”

Joss had already recorded voice work for the animated reboot of King of the Hill, which is slated to premiere on Hulu on August 4, 2025. Days before his death, he celebrated with fans that “the King of the Hill reboot is up and running” in a social media video, showing him signing autographs at an Austin comic store.

Jonathan Joss had a long career portraying Native American characters in film and television. In addition to King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation, he appeared in TV series such as Ray Donovan and Tulsa King and in films including the remakes of True Grit and The Magnificent Seven. His sudden death has drawn an outpouring of grief, particularly from fans who appreciated his representation as Native Americans in comedy and media. The circumstances of the shooting and the motivations behind it remain under investigation.

Supporters who wish to extend their help have been directed to a GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of Joss’s death. The campaign notes that the fire earlier this year destroyed not only their house but also many irreplaceable family possessions and three beloved pets. The home, according to the fundraiser, “wasn’t just any home – it was the house his father built for his mother in 1957, filled with a lifetime of memories.” The campaign is raising funds to help cover funeral expenses and provide housing and basic support for Joss’s surviving spouse.

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