Tragic Loss: ‘King of the Hill’ Star Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot Amid Claims of Harassment
Beloved voice actor Jonathan Joss, best known as John Redcorn on King of the Hill, was tragically shot and killed on June 1, 2025, in San Antonio. The fatal shooting, which followed years of alleged harassment, has left fans and loved ones heartbroken.
This article explores Joss’s life, career, and the disturbing circumstances surrounding his death. It also highlights his enduring legacy and the voice of grief and love shared by his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales.
A Shocking Tragedy in San Antonio
On the evening of June 1, 2025, San Antonio police were called to a shooting on the city’s south side. They found Jonathan Joss, 59, near the road, fatally wounded. Paramedics tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police quickly arrested Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, a neighbor, charging him with murder. The investigation remains active.
Allegations of Harassment and Hate
According to Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the couple had faced “years of homophobic harassment” from people in the neighborhood. Their home had burned down earlier in 2025 after repeated threats. On June 1, while visiting the burned property, they discovered remains of their dog.
While grieving, an armed neighbor approached them, shouted homophobic slurs, and opened fire. “Jonathan saved my life,” Tristan wrote. The San Antonio Police, however, stated they had found no official evidence that the shooting was motivated by sexual orientation.
Jonathan Joss: A Storied Acting Career
Jonathan Joss, born December 22, 1965, began acting in the mid-1990s. He was of Apache and Comanche descent and often portrayed Native American characters. His most iconic role was as John Redcorn on King of the Hill, where he voiced the character from 1998 to 2009, and again for the upcoming Hulu revival.
Joss also appeared as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, and had roles in Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, True Grit, and Walker, Texas Ranger. “I loved going to auditions,” Joss said in an interview days before his death.
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Personal Struggles and Triumphs
2025 was already a challenging year for Joss. In January, a fire destroyed the San Antonio home built by his father, claiming the lives of his three dogs. The home had been without power due to vandalism.
A GoFundMe was launched to help the actor recover. In the months that followed, Joss continued to speak out about injustice and harassment, recently making an emotional public statement at the ATX TV Festival in Austin.
A Love Story Cut Short
Jonathan had married Tristan Kern de Gonzales on Valentine’s Day 2025. The couple had been planning a new life together, seeking a new home after the fire. “Jonathan gave me more love than most people ever get,” Tristan wrote.
On the night of the shooting, Jonathan pushed Tristan out of the line of fire, sacrificing his life for his husband. Tristan now vows to protect Jonathan’s legacy and ensure the world hears their story.
A Community in Mourning
Fans and colleagues mourn the loss of Jonathan Joss. The creators of King of the Hill, Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, issued a joint statement: “His voice will be missed… we extend our deepest condolences.” Jonathan was remembered just days earlier at a King of the Hill panel in Austin, where he candidly spoke about his struggles and pride in his career.
Current Status of the Case
As of now, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez remains in custody, charged with murder. The San Antonio Police Department continues to investigate whether the killing was a hate crime. Tristan Kern de Gonzales has asked supporters to spread awareness of the injustice rather than donate funds. “We had so many beautiful plans for the future,” he wrote.
Final Words
The death of Jonathan Joss is a profound loss to his loved ones, fans, and the entertainment community. His legacy as an actor and advocate will endure. Beyond his voice work, Jonathan’s courage, love, and humanity shine through the tragedy.
As his husband shared, “Jonathan saved my life. I will carry that forward. I will protect what he built.” The world mourns not only a talented actor but also a man who lived with courage and love until his final breath.
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