US actor Jonathan Joss, renowned for voicing John Redcorn in King of the Hill and portraying Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation, has died after being shot in San Antonio, Texas. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has claimed the killing was a homophobic hate crime, stating that the gunman hurled slurs before opening fire. However, police have stated that, as of now, no evidence supports the theory that Joss’s murder was motivated by his sexual orientation.
Fatal Shooting at Former Home Site Following Threats and Emotional Confrontation
The fatal shooting occurred when Joss and Gonzales revisited the site of their former home, which had been destroyed in a fire months earlier. According to Gonzales, they had received ongoing threats from locals for over two years, warning the couple that their home would be set ablaze.
On the day of the shooting, the pair discovered the remains of one of their dogs at the site, triggering an emotional reaction. Amid their grief, they were approached by a man who allegedly began yelling homophobic slurs before firing his weapon, fatally striking Joss.
Jonathan Joss Fatally Shot in Texas, Husband Alleges Hate Crime Motivated by HomophobiaGonzales recounted that Joss saved his life by pushing him out of the way when the gunman opened fire. He described the deep love they shared, revealing they had married on Valentine’s Day and were in the process of finding a new home. Gonzales expressed his heartbreak, stating he was by Joss’s side when he died and assured him of how deeply he was loved.
The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, though investigators emphasized they are still reviewing evidence and will amend charges if new findings emerge.
Industry Mourns Jonathan Joss’s Legacy as Voice of John Redcorn on King of the Hill
The entertainment industry has been shaken by Joss’s death. Nick Offerman, who worked alongside Joss on Parks and Recreation, expressed heartbreak and described Joss as “such a sweet guy.” The creators of King of the Hill, Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, praised Joss’s long-standing contribution to the show, stating his voice would be deeply missed. Joss had voiced John Redcorn for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival of the series.
In a bittersweet turn, Joss was last seen in public at the ATX Television Festival, attending a King of the Hill panel. Despite his long tenure with the show, he shared on Facebook his disappointment at not being invited to join the panel, reflecting on how much the character of John Redcorn meant to him. ‘
The show, which originally aired from 1997 and ran for over 250 episodes, is being revived and will premiere a new season on Hulu in August. Joss’s legacy as a beloved voice actor and performer leaves a lasting impact on fans and colleagues alike.