(Photo Credits: Somerset High School, CC0)
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.
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.
— San Antonio PD (@SATXPolice) June 2, 2025
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”.
"King of the Hill" creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Saladin Patterson have released a statement following the death of series actor Jonathan Joss:
— Variety (@Variety) June 3, 2025
“Jonathan Joss brought ‘King of the Hill’s’ ‘John Redcorn’ to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming… pic.twitter.com/JA6GdCFW8q
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.
Good for the SAPD letting it known immediately they hadn’t seen evidence of a hate crime. Some people believe if a Gay is murdered, it’s for sure a hate crime. Could have been robbery gone bad or a drug deal gone bad or a financial deal gone bad, etc.. The SAPD has said they’ll let things be known as they are known.
Horrible. As terrorizing as the AntiSemitic attacks, and probably related at some level.
Texas applies the death penalty frequently. It cuts the recidivism rate of those to whom it is applied to zero. I realize many people are not big fans of guns. I have my theories as to why that is but I’ll keep that to myself. I support their personal decision to exercise their free will to carry or not. Personally, I carry every day and everywhere I go except for those places where it is prohibited by law or by posted notice. If any of you decide to carry I strongly urge you to become well versed in the laws… Read more »
If either or both had been armed, there would have been a blood-spewing bath and to what avail? Multiple gun carriers = multiple gunshot wounds = multiple deaths? Violence breeds violence.
Let us not overlook the high numbers of shootings in municipalities where guns are banned. Shootings occur regardless of laws. Countless number committed by illegal gun carriers vs. conceal carry permitted ones. The incident of knifings increase as they become a weapon of choice. Violence is prevalent either way.
It’s a good idea to do research and check statistics before posting inflammatory opinions based on unsupported ideologies.
Violence can stop violence, too. You might find it quite surprising how the possibility of returned violence can dissuade those who wish to perpetrate violence upon others. It’s one thing to wish for a Utopian world to live in. It is entirely delusional to believe such a world can be achieved.
People get shot everyday in Texas.
Don’t let all your compassion out at once, ya callous cunt.
John you don’t understand. Everyone has guns down here and it is very volatile in this country. You have to be ready in Texas. At least 4 of my neighbors have been in gunplay this year.
Has it occurred to you to move to a different neighborhood? None of my neighbors have been in “gunplay” as you call it.
yo, hunting season is 365 in texas just like the jungles of the homeland
in the jungles of the homeland, it is called a Safari
I hadn’t heard of him, but I think it’s really sad, I RIP.
The only thing, that is ever present, hate, and do believe it was a hate crime, too.
Police been out to his place 40 times in last 2 years. he burned himself out of his hovel, and yes it was a shit hole, just look on zillow, with a propane grill that was inside his crib. He was a crack/meth head for sure. Just check his facebook, cameo and that crazy vid from the 30th where he got kicked out of a KOTH meet and greet in Austin, that he was NOT invited to. For obvious reasons. The neighbors all thought he was crazy, and none of them was upset to see him go. The man smoked… Read more »
Like I said, man, never heard of him. Maybe karma caught up with him? In any case, all the more, if he was that hellish a being, RIP.
Joss is not gay. His “husband”, Tristan, is a pre-op “trans-man” who used to be called Wendy….so a woman. This gay/trans thing was his attempt to ingratiate himself with Hollywood, which had washed his hands of him due to his drug use and outbursts. Also, Joss is his middle name. His last name is Gonzalez. His father was Lawrence Gonzalez and his mother was Maria Hernandez. He was Mexican and NOT Native American.
There’s so much in the report here that doesn’t align: The house was burned down … and they returned to check mail? (USPS forwards mail with an online request). Why would sane individuals return? The house was burned down and SAPD did not investigate it for arson? Insurance companies don’t accept that. Police were there numerous times and found nothing to follow up on? The couple been harassed for years? By all neighbors? Was it because of sexual orientation or that they weren’t good neighbors. They person who SAPD arrested … was he identified by Tristan? Were his presence and… Read more »
Exactly! So much missing, strange, and/or contradictory info. You almost need a scorecard to keep track of what went on here.
The po po didn’t investigate for arson because he admitted that he burned it down with a propane grill that he left unattended in the shack. He did this in a news report interview being given with fire dept still on scene. The clip is used on the gofundme. He also rambles about the city and others pulling down his power poll and gas and water pipes. While the pole is clearly there, as the whole damn street would be without power if his lunacy were true. Man was a total waste case, as well as being a fake NA
The last time I flew out of Houston airport there were private citizens walking around the common areas of the airport with assault rifles clearly on display. They obviously weren’t there for any travel purposes. It was both creepy and scary.