The entertainment world is mourning the sudden and violent death of Jonathan Joss, the beloved actor who voiced John Redcorn in the iconic animated series King of the Hill. Joss, who was 59 years old, was shot and killed on June 1, 2025, in front of a property he once shared with his husband in San Antonio, Texas.
His untimely death has not only shocked fans across the country but has also reignited discussions about hate crimes and the persistent risks faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jonathan Joss: A Career Rooted in Cultural Pride
Jonathan Joss was more than just the voice behind a popular cartoon character. He was a proud Native American actor of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent, who made it his mission to represent Indigenous voices authentically in Hollywood.
While his portrayal of John Redcorn brought him widespread acclaim, his career included other notable performances. He was featured in films like The Magnificent Seven and Lone Ranger, and he played Chief Ken Hotate in the sitcom Parks and Recreation. His performances were lauded for their dignity, authenticity, and warmth.
Colleagues often spoke of his commitment to cultural representation and his willingness to support other Native actors trying to break into the industry. He was also known to mentor younger artists and advocate for accurate portrayals of Indigenous characters.
Tragedy Unfolds: Details of the Shooting
On June 1, 2025, Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, went back to their old home in San Antonio to collect mail. The property had been severely damaged by a fire earlier that year, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of their three dogs. In a statement posted on Facebook, Tristan wrote that he was “murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other”. He added: “Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get … I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved.”
According to his husband, while revisiting the property, the couple found the remains of one of their pets and were mourning the discovery when a confrontation erupted with their former neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, age 56. The altercation quickly escalated.
Eyewitness accounts and de Gonzales himself confirmed that Ceja directed several homophobic slurs at the couple. What started as verbal abuse turned deadly when Ceja pulled out a firearm and shot Joss multiple times. His husband described how Jonathan, in a final act of love and bravery, shielded him from the bullets. Tragically, he died at the scene.
Authorities arrested Ceja shortly after the incident. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held at the Bexar County Detention Center with bond set at $200,000.
History of Harassment and a Community on Edge
What makes this case even more tragic is the context. For months, Joss and his husband had reportedly endured harassment, verbal threats, and repeated instances of intimidation from their neighbor. De Gonzales stated that the couple had filed police reports and pleaded with local authorities for help following the house fire and other incidents.
Despite their efforts, no substantial protective measures were taken, and the couple felt increasingly unsafe in their neighborhood. The prior fire that destroyed their home was never conclusively investigated, despite the couple suspecting arson due to escalating threats.
While the police currently state that there is no official evidence to categorize the shooting as a hate crime, de Gonzales and advocacy organizations are urging law enforcement to reopen the case with a broader lens.
Fans and Industry React with Shock and Sorrow
News of Jonathan Joss’s death spread rapidly, sparking an emotional outpouring on social media. Fans of King of the Hill expressed heartbreak, sharing fond memories of his character John Redcorn, who had evolved from comic relief into one of the show’s most grounded and emotionally resonant figures.
His colleagues in the entertainment industry also mourned his passing. Cast members from Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill, and others he collaborated with described him as a passionate performer, a kind-hearted friend, and a fierce advocate for inclusion.
He had recently attended a television festival where he appeared in good spirits and spoke about his excitement for the upcoming King of the Hill reboot. He was slated to return as John Redcorn, marking a full-circle moment in a career dedicated to his heritage and craft.
The Fight for Justice and Awareness
Following the incident, de Gonzales issued a heartfelt statement, vowing to fight for justice on behalf of his husband. He called for a thorough investigation into the motives behind the shooting and demanded accountability for what he and many others believe to be a hate-motivated crime.
Civil rights groups, LGBTQ+ organizations, and Native American advocacy coalitions have since voiced their support, calling for transparency, justice, and policy reform. The murder of Jonathan Joss has quickly become a symbol of the intersectional dangers faced by individuals who live at the crossroads of multiple marginalized identities.
The incident also reignites a national conversation about the importance of listening to victims, especially when they report harassment or threats. Too often, these warnings are overlooked until tragedy strikes.
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A Legacy That Will Live On
Jonathan Joss’s influence goes far beyond television. He was a voice for underrepresented communities, a mentor to aspiring artists, and a beloved figure who inspired both laughter and thought. Through his work, especially as John Redcorn, he challenged stereotypes and gave depth to characters who might otherwise have been treated as caricatures.
His death leaves a void not only in the world of entertainment but also in the hearts of those he touched through his art and activism. The scheduled return of King of the Hill later this year will now carry an additional layer of poignancy, as fans hear his voice once more, fully aware that it was among his final performances.
The death of Jonathan Joss is a heartbreaking reminder of how violence, prejudice, and systemic failure can intersect with devastating consequences. As investigations continue and the legal process unfolds, the world remembers a man whose legacy was built on authenticity, courage, and love.
His story now becomes part of a larger narrative—a call to action for justice, awareness, and protection for all people, regardless of who they are or who they love. Jonathan Joss may have fallen victim to a senseless act of violence, but his spirit, message, and voice will continue to resonate for generations to come.
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