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Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed Native American actor and musician best known as the voice of John Redcorn on “King of the Hill,” was tragically shot and killed by a neighbor in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1, 2025. He was 59. The shocking incident has left fans, castmates, and the entertainment world in mourning, while also sparking urgent conversations about hate crimes, neighborhood violence, and LGBTQ and Native American representation in Hollywood.
NY Times: Jonathan Joss, ‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor, Is Fatally Shot
🚨 What Happened: Timeline of the Shooting
🕒 June 1, 2025, 7 p.m.: San Antonio police responded to a shooting in progress on the city’s south side. Officers found Joss lying near the roadway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
🚑 First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.
👮♂️ The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, fled but was arrested a block away and charged with murder.
🕵️♂️ The dispute’s cause is still under investigation, but neighbors reported a longstanding feud between Joss and Ceja. Some neighbors described repeated arguments and threats, including previous confrontations with weapons.
⚖️ Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, was present and claims the shooting was motivated by years of homophobic harassment. However, San Antonio police say there is currently no evidence to confirm the murder was a hate crime, but the investigation remains open.
CBS News: Jonathan Joss, "King of the Hill" Voice Actor, Shot and Killed
🚑 First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Joss was pronounced dead at the scene.
👮♂️ The suspect, identified as 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, fled but was arrested a block away and charged with murder.
🕵️♂️ The dispute’s cause is still under investigation, but neighbors reported a longstanding feud between Joss and Ceja. Some neighbors described repeated arguments and threats, including previous confrontations with weapons.
⚖️ Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, was present and claims the shooting was motivated by years of homophobic harassment. However, San Antonio police say there is currently no evidence to confirm the murder was a hate crime, but the investigation remains open.
🎭 Jonathan Joss: Life, Career, and Cultural Impact
🎤 Native American Representation: Joss, of Apache and Comanche heritage, was a trailblazer for Native American actors in Hollywood. He voiced John Redcorn on “King of the Hill” from 1998 to 2009 and was set to return for the Hulu revival.
🎬 Film & TV Roles: Beyond “King of the Hill,” Joss played Chief Ken Hotate on “Parks and Recreation,” appeared in “Tulsa King,” “Ray Donovan,” “True Grit,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and more.
🎸 Musician: Joss performed with The Red Corn Band and was active in the Austin and San Antonio music scenes.
🏆 Legacy: He was widely respected for his commitment to authentic Native storytelling and for breaking barriers as an openly gay, married Native American actor.
🧑🤝🧑 Personal Life: Joss married his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, on Valentine’s Day 2025. The couple had recently suffered a devastating house fire and the loss of three dogs, adding to the tragedy of his passing.
Wikipedia: Jonathan Joss – Career & Biography
🎬 Film & TV Roles: Beyond “King of the Hill,” Joss played Chief Ken Hotate on “Parks and Recreation,” appeared in “Tulsa King,” “Ray Donovan,” “True Grit,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and more.
🎸 Musician: Joss performed with The Red Corn Band and was active in the Austin and San Antonio music scenes.
🏆 Legacy: He was widely respected for his commitment to authentic Native storytelling and for breaking barriers as an openly gay, married Native American actor.
🧑🤝🧑 Personal Life: Joss married his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, on Valentine’s Day 2025. The couple had recently suffered a devastating house fire and the loss of three dogs, adding to the tragedy of his passing.
📰 Latest News: King of the Hill Revival, Tributes, and Community Response
📺 Hulu Revival: Joss had just attended a “King of the Hill” panel at the ATX TV Festival in Austin and posted on Instagram about recording lines for the new season, set to premiere August 4.
💬 Cast & Fan Tributes: Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, and the “Parks and Recreation” cast expressed shock and sadness. Offerman called Joss “such a sweet guy,” and Pratt remembered him as “always such a nice guy.”
🕯️ Community Mourning: Vigils and online memorials have sprung up in San Antonio and across the US, with fans sharing favorite “King of the Hill” moments and celebrating Joss’s advocacy for Native and LGBTQ representation.
🛡️ Ongoing Investigation: Police continue to investigate the motive, with debate ongoing about whether the killing was a hate crime. Joss’s husband and some neighbors allege years of harassment and threats, while police say no conclusive evidence of bias has yet been found.
💔 GoFundMe & Support: A GoFundMe campaign was previously launched after the couple’s house fire and is now being used to support Joss’s family and legacy.
People: Jonathan Joss Dies at 59 After Being Fatally Shot
💬 Cast & Fan Tributes: Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, and the “Parks and Recreation” cast expressed shock and sadness. Offerman called Joss “such a sweet guy,” and Pratt remembered him as “always such a nice guy.”
🕯️ Community Mourning: Vigils and online memorials have sprung up in San Antonio and across the US, with fans sharing favorite “King of the Hill” moments and celebrating Joss’s advocacy for Native and LGBTQ representation.
🛡️ Ongoing Investigation: Police continue to investigate the motive, with debate ongoing about whether the killing was a hate crime. Joss’s husband and some neighbors allege years of harassment and threats, while police say no conclusive evidence of bias has yet been found.
💔 GoFundMe & Support: A GoFundMe campaign was previously launched after the couple’s house fire and is now being used to support Joss’s family and legacy.
📚 Jonathan Joss: Biography, Filmography, and Achievements
📚 Early Life: Born December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas. Attended Texas State University–San Marcos and Our Lady of the Lake University.
🎬 Film & TV Highlights:
ABC News: ‘Parks and Recreation’ Actor Jonathan Joss Dies at 59
🎬 Film & TV Highlights:
- Voiced John Redcorn in “King of the Hill” (seasons 2–13, 1998–2009, and revival)
- Chief Ken Hotate in “Parks and Recreation”
- Roles in “True Grit,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Tulsa King,” “Ray Donovan,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and more
- Voice work in “Red Dead Redemption,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” “Days Gone,” “Justice League Unlimited,” and more
- Frontman for The Red Corn Band
💡 FAQ: What Fans and the Public Want to Know
💡 FAQ:
LA Times: Jonathan Joss’ Husband Claims Fatal Shooting Was Hate Crime
- Who was Jonathan Joss? Native American actor and musician, best known as the voice of John Redcorn on “King of the Hill” and Chief Ken Hotate on “Parks and Recreation.”
- How did he die? Fatally shot by a neighbor during a dispute outside his San Antonio home on June 1, 2025.
- Was it a hate crime? Joss’s husband alleges years of homophobic harassment and claims the shooting was motivated by bias. Police say no conclusive evidence has been found but the investigation is ongoing.
- Was Joss returning for the “King of the Hill” revival? Yes, he had already recorded lines and attended a cast panel just days before his death.
- What is his legacy? Joss is remembered as a trailblazer for Native American and LGBTQ representation in Hollywood, and for his kindness, humor, and generosity.
- How can fans support his family? Donations can be made to the GoFundMe campaign set up after the house fire, now supporting his husband and legacy.
- What’s next in the investigation? The case remains open, with ongoing debate about motive and potential hate crime charges.
©️ 2025 | Jonathan Joss: Complete Guide for Fans, Hollywood, and the Native & LGBTQ Communities