‘King of the Hill’ Star Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in Texas, Husband Cites Hate Crime
Jonathan Joss, best known for voicing John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill and portraying Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, has died after being shot in San Antonio, Texas, in what his husband believes was a hate-motivated attack.
Joss, 59, was reportedly visiting the site of his former home—which burned down earlier this year—when the shooting occurred. According to his husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales, the couple was confronted by a man who shouted homophobic slurs before opening fire. Gonzales claims Joss saved his life by pushing him out of harm’s way before being shot.
“Jonathan gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get,” Gonzales wrote on Facebook. “He died a hero.”
Police Response and Arrest
The San Antonio Police Department confirmed that a suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested and charged with murder. However, authorities stated that they had not found any evidence at this stage indicating the killing was related to Joss’s sexual orientation.
“All allegations are being taken seriously, and the investigation remains ongoing,” police said in a statement, adding that the case would be updated if new evidence emerges.
A Devastating Scene
The couple returned to their burned property to check the mail when they found the remains of one of their dogs, placed in a disturbing manner. This discovery led to visible distress, and moments later, the shooter approached.
Joss’s death has left fans and colleagues shocked. Fellow Parks and Recreation actor Nick Offerman said the cast was “heartbroken” and remembered Joss as “a sweet guy” who made a lasting impact on the show.
Tributes and Legacy
The creators of King of the Hill—Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson—also released a statement, mourning the loss of the man who gave life to John Redcorn for more than a decade.
“His voice will be missed in the upcoming King of the Hill revival,” they said, referencing the new season set to premiere on Hulu on August 4.
Joss was reportedly in the audience at a King of the Hill panel just days before his death but had expressed sadness online for not being included as a panelist. In a heartfelt post, he described the show as his home and a part of his identity.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pewp4_l6Ac
