The beloved actor and voice-over artist was killed in a shooting that has sparked national attention, not just for the tragic loss, but for the disturbing events and unanswered warnings that preceded it.
Jonathan Joss, widely recognized for voicing John Redcorn on the animated series “King of the Hill,” was shot and killed on June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 59.
According to a statement from the San Antonio Police Department, officers responded to a call at 200 Dorsey Drive shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday evening. They found Joss near the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers attempted life-saving measures before EMS arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene.
TMZ reported that Joss had returned to the site of his former home, which had burned down earlier this year, to collect a victim’s fire fund check. While there, he discovered the skull and harness of one of his dogs, reportedly killed in the fire.
The sight caused visible emotional distress. Witnesses stated that Joss began yelling and crying before an altercation occurred with a neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, who allegedly drove over and shot him before fleeing. Ceja is now in police custody.
The couple’s history with Ceja reportedly involved prior verbal and physical disputes. Neighbors told TMZ that police had been called on Joss several times before his home burned down.
Joss had allegedly used a barbecue pit for heating after city officials deemed the property unsafe and shut off power. Neighbors described unusual behavior in the months leading up to the incident, including reports of Joss making loud noises at night.
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared a public statement on Joss’ Facebook page on June 2. He said the two were checking mail at the burned home when they found their dog’s remains.
He described the emotional trauma they experienced, stating, “We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw.”
While they were grieving, a man allegedly approached and began yelling violent, homophobic slurs. “Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side,” added Gonzales. “When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.”
He revealed that they had faced over two years of ill-treatment at the location. “That home was burned down after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire. We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done.”
“Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get,” expressed Gonzales. “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other. I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved.”
He also emphasized the importance of Joss’ supporters, saying, “To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family.”
In closing, Gonzales mentioned, “My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together. Jonathan saved my life. I will carry that forward. I will protect what he built.”
Joss was born on December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, Texas. He had a diverse acting career with credits including “True Grit” (2010), “The Magnificent Seven” (2016), “Abduction of the Fourth Kind” (2022), and the role of Chief Ken Hotate on “Parks and Recreation.”
Following the fatal shooting of Joss, the suspect, Ceja, was arrested on the same day. TMZ reported that he was taken into custody about a block from the scene and has since been charged with murder. He is currently being held on a $200,000 bond. TMZ also obtained a copy of Ceja’s mugshot following his arrest.
In response to widespread public speculation, the San Antonio Police Department issued a statement regarding the investigation. “Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation,” said the statement.
SAPD emphasized that it takes such allegations seriously and has “thoroughly reviewed all available information.” The department added that if new evidence emerges, the charges against the suspect will be updated accordingly.
As the investigation continues, many fans and supporters have rallied around Joss’ husband, offering emotional and financial support. Following the tragedy, Gonzales shared a series of heartwarming photos on Facebook, showing the couple together during happier times.
The couple exchanged vows on February 14, 2025. In a Facebook post the following day, Gonzales shared their joyful news, expressing love for Joss and calling it the best Valentine’s Day ever. His profile also showed an update confirming their wedding date.
