Jonathan Joss, the actor known for voicing John Redcorn in the long-running animated series King of the Hill and for his role as Chief Ken Hotate in the sitcom Parks and Recreation, was tragically shot dead in San Antonio on June 1, 2025. He was 59 years old.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared that the shooting was the result of a violent encounter where a man began yelling homophobic slurs before opening fire. However, police have stated that, at present, their investigation has not found evidence to confirm the murder was motivated by Joss’s sexual orientation.
The shooting occurred when the couple visited the site of their former home, which had been destroyed in a fire earlier this year. Gonzales explained that their house had been targeted after enduring over two years of threats from people in their neighborhood, who had repeatedly warned they would set the home ablaze. Upon returning to the site to check their mail, they discovered the skull of one of their dogs along with its harness placed in plain sight, an act that caused deep emotional pain for both.
In response to the distressing discovery, the couple reacted vocally with cries and shouts. It was during this moment that a man approached them, yelling violent homophobic slurs. Without warning, he then drew a gun and fired. Joss pushed Gonzales out of the way, saving his life but taking the fatal shot himself. Gonzales emphasized that neither of them had weapons and that they posed no threat they were simply grieving together.
Gonzales spoke lovingly of his late husband, saying, “Jonathan gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get.” The couple had recently married on Valentine’s Day and were in the process of finding a trailer to settle in.
Officers arrived on the scene after reports of a shooting and found Joss lying near a road. The suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, was arrested on suspicion of murder. San Antonio police have stated that they are taking all aspects of the case seriously and will review any new evidence should it emerge, ensuring charges are filed appropriately.
News of Joss’s death was met with heartfelt responses from colleagues and fans alike. Nick Offerman, who played Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, expressed sorrow over the loss, calling Joss “such a sweet guy” and describing the tragedy as devastating. The creators of King of the Hill Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson issued a statement honoring Joss’s legacy, noting that he brought the character of John Redcorn to life for over a dozen seasons, including the upcoming revival of the show. They extended their deepest condolences to his friends and family, acknowledging the lasting impact of his work.
Joss’s last public appearance was at a King of the Hill panel held at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, just days before his death. Although he was present as an audience member rather than a panelist, he had expressed disappointment on social media at not being invited to participate. He shared how much the show and his character meant to him, describing the role as a source of pride and connection. The show, which centers on the life of propane salesman Hank Hill and his family in Texas, originally ran for over 250 episodes since its debut in 1997 and is now being revived, with a new season set to premiere on Hulu on August 4.
Jonathan Joss’s death marks a profound loss in the entertainment community, especially for those who knew him through his distinctive voice work and memorable on-screen presence. His kindness, talent, and dedication to his craft have left a lasting impression, and he will be deeply missed by fans, friends, and colleagues alike.
