HOUSTON (AP) — Jonathan Joss, a renowned voice actor celebrated for his portrayal of John Redcorn on the animated series “King of the Hill,” was tragically shot and killed near his home in Texas, according to police reports released on Monday. The incident occurred in San Antonio on Sunday evening, around 7 p.m., when officers responded to a call regarding a shooting in progress. Upon arrival, they found the 59-year-old actor critically injured near the street.
Authorities confirmed that the officers attempted to administer life-saving measures before emergency medical services arrived, but Joss was later pronounced dead at the scene. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared the heartbreaking news of his death with The Associated Press via text message, revealing that the couple had tied the knot earlier this year on Valentine’s Day.
While the San Antonio police have not disclosed any specifics regarding the motive behind the shooting, de Gonzales articulated concerns about previous harassment they faced, much of which he described as “openly homophobic.” He stated that before the shooting, the assailant yelled “violent homophobic slurs” and threatened them with a firearm. De Gonzales lamented that Joss was murdered simply for being in love with another man: “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,” he said.
Prior to the attack, Joss and de Gonzales were at their home, which had suffered extensive damage from a fire in January that sadly resulted in the deaths of their three dogs. According to de Gonzales, the couple had just been checking their mail when a man confronted them, leading to the altercation. In a heart-wrenching account, he noted that Jonathan pushed him out of harm’s way during the shooting, thereby saving his life.
Following the incident, authorities apprehended 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who has been charged with murder in connection with Joss's death. However, court records did not specify an attorney representing Ceja, who is currently being held at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.
In a statement, the San Antonio police department indicated that their investigation “has found no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss's murder was related to his sexual orientation.” The police emphasized their commitment to thoroughly investigate any new evidence that may arise, stating they would adjust the charges against the suspect accordingly.
Jonathan Joss, a San Antonio native, enjoyed a successful career in voice acting, with his most notable role being John Redcorn on the acclaimed series “King of the Hill.” The show aired for 13 years, from 1997 until 2008, and is set to reboot in August. In addition to his work on “King of the Hill,” Joss appeared in a recurring role on “Parks and Recreation,” portraying Chief Ken Hotate. He recently participated in two episodes of “Tulsa King” in 2022.
Earlier this year, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Joss after the devastating house fire that destroyed all his belongings, including his vehicle. Prior to his untimely death, Joss had been in Austin, approximately 80 miles northeast of San Antonio, participating in events related to the upcoming revival of “King of the Hill.” On the Saturday before his death, he shared a video on Instagram, indicating he was signing autographs at a comic book store in Austin and expressed excitement about fans revisiting the beloved show.
Joss’s husband emphasized his affection for his fans, stating, “To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family.” The tragedy of Joss’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
