Jonathan Joss: Actor Known for ‘King of the Hill’ Shot Dead
In a tragic incident, beloved actor Jonathan Joss, best remembered for voicing John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill, was fatally shot at the age of 59. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, claims that the attack was motivated by homophobia, a notion that local authorities have yet to substantiate.
The horrific event occurred as Joss and Gonzales returned to their former residence in Texas for the first time since it was destroyed by a fire in January. According to Gonzales, the couple had been subjected to threats leading up to the fire. He recounted the emotional distress of discovering a dog skull and harness at their former home, which prompted an outburst of grief.
Details of the Incident
In his statements, Gonzales described how they were confronted by an assailant who began shouting violent homophobic slurs before opening fire. “We were not armed and posed no threat. We were just standing there in shock and mourning,” he explained. Joss, demonstrating remarkable bravery, pushed Gonzales out of harm’s way, ultimately saving his life.
The San Antonio Police Department responded to the shooting and found Joss lying beside the road. Following the incident, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja was arrested on murder charges. Although online speculation has linked the crime to hate, police asserted there is currently no evidence to suggest Joss’s sexual orientation motivated the shooting.
Remembering Jonathan Joss
Joss was well known not only for his role as John Redcorn for over a decade but also as Chief Ken Hotate in the series Parks and Recreation. Fellow cast member Nick Offerman shared his heartbreak, stating, “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. This is a terrible tragedy.” The original creators of King of the Hill commended Joss for bringing depth to his character over the years and expressed their condolences to his friends and family.
On the day of his passing, Joss had participated in discussions regarding a revival of King of the Hill, showcasing his enduring connection to the show. The creators confirmed that his character would return in the upcoming season, which is set to debut on Hulu on August 4.
A Life Full of Love
Gonzales reminisced about his relationship with Joss, stating, “He gave me more love than most people ever get.” The couple had recently married on Valentine’s Day and were in the process of finding a new home together. Gonzales concluded, “I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January | Former home destroyed by fire after two years of threats |
| February 14 | Joss marries Tristan Kern de Gonzales |
| Recent days | Attended a panel for King of the Hill at the ATX Television Festival |
| 6 days ago | Joss shot dead; suspect arrested |
