San Antonio, Texas — Jonathan Joss, widely recognized for his role as John Redcorn in the animated series “King of the Hill,” has died at the age of 59 following a tragic shooting on Saturday. Joss was reportedly checking the mail at his former home when the incident occurred.
The San Antonio Police Department has confirmed the arrest of the suspected shooter, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who fled the scene but was detained shortly afterward. He has since been charged with murder.
Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, took to social media to share the traumatic circumstances surrounding the incident. He indicated that previous threats had plagued the couple while they lived in the area, including harassment that escalated to their former home being burned down. Despite multiple reports to law enforcement, no action was taken to address their concerns, leaving them vulnerable.
The couple returned to their old residence to retrieve their mail when they discovered a dog’s skull and harness in plain sight. This disturbing find prompted an emotional reaction from both Joss and de Gonzales. According to de Gonzales, this grief was met with aggression from an approaching man who hurled violent, homophobic slurs before opening fire.
De Gonzales emphasized that both he and Joss were unarmed and not engaged in any threatening behavior. He recounted how Joss pushed him out of the line of fire, saving his life at the cost of his own. “Jonathan was my husband,” de Gonzales said, reflecting on their deep love and recent marriage. “We were planning our future together.”
Joss’s impact extended beyond his voice acting; he appeared in a variety of television shows including “Parks and Recreation” and “ER,” along with films such as “True Grit” and “The Magnificent Seven.” Born and raised in San Antonio, he was a beloved figure whose talent resonated with audiences for over a decade.
The untimely death of Jonathan Joss has left many in shock, shining a light on the pervasive issues of homophobia and violence within communities. Friends, fans, and fellow actors are mourning the loss of a man whose artistry and love stories enriched the lives of many.