Jonathan Joss, Voice of ‘King of the Hill’s John Redcorn, Fatally Shot in San Antonio
Jonathan Joss Gonzales, the acclaimed actor renowned for voicing John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill and portraying Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, was tragically shot and killed on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 59 years old.
A Tragic Confrontation
The fatal incident occurred outside Joss’s former residence on Dorsey Drive, which had been destroyed in a fire earlier this year. According to reports, Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, returned to the property to check their mail and discovered the remains of one of their dogs, lost in the January fire. This discovery led to an emotional reaction, during which a neighbor, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, allegedly confronted them. Ceja is accused of directing homophobic slurs at the couple before opening fire, fatally shooting Joss.
Joss’s husband recounted that during the confrontation, Joss heroically shielded him from the gunfire, sacrificing his own life.
Ongoing Investigation
San Antonio Police Department officers responded to multiple disturbance calls in the area and found Joss with a fatal gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Ceja was apprehended shortly thereafter and charged with first-degree murder.
While Joss’s husband asserts that the shooting was a hate crime motivated by homophobia, the San Antonio Police Department has stated that, as of now, there is no evidence to classify the incident as such. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities pledging to pursue further charges if new evidence emerges.
A Legacy Remembered
Born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas, Jonathan Joss was of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent. He gained widespread recognition for his role as John Redcorn in King of the Hill, a character he voiced from Season 2 through Season 13, following the death of the original actor, Victor Aaron. Joss also appeared in various television series and films, including Parks and Recreation, The Magnificent Seven, and Tulsa King.
In January 2025, Joss suffered a devastating loss when his San Antonio home was destroyed by a fire, resulting in the death of three of his dogs. The fire, which occurred while he was away from the property, was reportedly caused by a grill he had lit for warmth. Following the incident, fans rallied to support him through a GoFundMe campaign.
Just days before his death, Joss made an uninvited appearance at the ATX TV Festival’s King of the Hill panel in Austin, expressing his disappointment over being excluded and sharing concerns about past trauma, including the alleged arson of his home due to his sexuality.
Tributes and Condolences
The entertainment industry and fans alike have expressed profound grief over Joss’s untimely death. Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Joss on Parks and Recreation, paid tribute on Instagram, describing Joss as “a kind dude” and urging others to “hug your loved ones.”
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has vowed to honor his legacy and the life they shared, stating that Joss’s death underscores the need for greater awareness and action against homophobic violence.
As the investigation continues, the community remembers Jonathan Joss not only for his contributions to the arts but also for his courage and the love he shared with those around him.