Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed actor best known for voicing John Redcorn on the long-running animated series King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed on Sunday evening, June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Authorities confirmed that the 59-year-old performer died following a confrontation with a neighbor, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who has since been arrested and charged with murder.

The shooting occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on the city’s south side. Responding officers from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) discovered Joss near the street and attempted lifesaving procedures. However, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released specific information regarding the number or nature of gunshot wounds.

Dispute Turns Deadly

According to SAPD’s preliminary investigation, the altercation between Joss and Alvarez ended in gunfire. Although the police have not disclosed the exact cause of the dispute, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, publicly described the incident as a hate crime rooted in homophobia.

“He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us,” Kern de Gonzales wrote in a statement shared on Joss’s official Facebook page. “He then raised a gun from his lap and fired.” He added that the couple had returned to a property where Joss’s home had previously burned down earlier in the year when the shooting occurred.

Kern de Gonzales also claimed that the couple had reported ongoing harassment from Alvarez multiple times to law enforcement, but the issue remained unresolved.

Despite these allegations, SAPD stated that their investigation found no evidence that the shooting was related to Joss’s sexual orientation. “We take such allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information,” a police spokesperson said in a statement. “Should any new evidence come to light, we will charge the suspect accordingly.”

Alvarez was arrested on the night of the shooting and charged with murder. His bond has been set at $200,000. It remains unclear whether he has retained legal representation.

A Career Rooted in Representation

Jonathan Joss, who was of Apache and Comanche heritage, carved out a distinctive niche in the entertainment industry by portraying Native American characters with authenticity, dignity, and charisma. His breakout role as the voice of John Redcorn in King of the Hill earned him widespread recognition and respect. From 1997 until the series’ conclusion in 2009, Joss portrayed the character—a New Age healer and symbol of cultural resilience—in over 80 episodes.

In a testament to his impact, Joss was set to reprise his role in the upcoming revival of King of the Hill, scheduled to debut on Hulu in August 2025.

Beyond animation, Joss delivered memorable performances on a variety of television shows and films. He portrayed Chief Ken Hotate in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, a fan-favorite recurring role that highlighted his comedic timing and cultural pride. He also appeared in Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, Walker, Texas Ranger, Friday Night Lights, and the Coen brothers’ adaptation of True Grit.

Through his work, Joss helped shift the portrayal of Indigenous people in Hollywood away from outdated stereotypes, advocating for greater inclusion and authentic storytelling.

Personal Struggles and Community Support

Earlier this year, Joss endured a significant personal tragedy when he lost his home and a beloved pet dog in a house fire. In a January interview with local station KSAT, Joss revealed that the property, located in San Antonio, had no electricity or gas at the time due to vandalism. He speculated that he might have accidentally caused the fire and acknowledged that he was unemployed at the time.

“I may have left something on that caused the fire,” he told the outlet, adding that he was still trying to rebuild his life after the incident.

In response to the fire, a local fan launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist him in recovering from the devastating loss. Following the news of his death, the fundraiser began receiving renewed donations as fans and supporters sought to honor his memory.

Grief and Tributes

News of Joss’s untimely death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and Indigenous communities alike. Fans, colleagues, and activists took to social media to express their sorrow, celebrate his legacy, and demand justice.

“Jonathan Joss wasn’t just a voice on a show—he was a voice for a people,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “His characters gave Indigenous people space in mainstream storytelling where there was once silence.”

While a full list of survivors has not been publicly released, it is known that Joss was survived by his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, and other family members. He was born and raised in San Antonio and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Our Lady of the Lake University, a local institution where he first developed his passion for acting and advocacy.

Looking Ahead: Questions Remain

Although police have thus far rejected the characterization of the incident as a hate crime, the investigation remains ongoing. Community members and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are urging a deeper probe into the suspect’s history and behavior, pointing to the broader context of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities.

Meanwhile, supporters are calling for Joss to be remembered not only for his contributions to entertainment but also for his role as a trailblazer in elevating Indigenous voices and queer representation.

As the community grapples with the loss of a beloved figure, Joss’s legacy lives on through his work, his advocacy, and the stories he helped tell.