Tragic Death of 'King of the Hill' Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Outside Texas Residence

Jonathan Joss was fatally shot outside his San Antonio home

By  NEWS Blend 360

Updated 12:43 AM EDT, June 3, 2025

HOUSTON (NB360) — Jonathan Joss, a voice actor famous for his role in the animated series “King of the Hill,” was shot and killed near his Texas home, authorities announced on Monday.

Police responded to reports of a shooting at a residence in south San Antonio around 7 p.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, officers found the injured 59-year-old near the street.

“Officers attempted life-saving measures until EMS arrived, who then pronounced the victim dead,” stated the San Antonio police.

Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed the actor’s death to The Associated Press via text. The couple had married earlier this year on Valentine’s Day.

San Antonio police, in an email, did not immediately provide details on the motive for the shooting.

In a statement, de Gonzales mentioned that he and Joss had previously faced harassment, much of which was “openly homophobic.” He stated that the attacker shouted “violent homophobic slurs” before shooting.

Before the shooting, de Gonzales and Joss were checking mail at Joss’ home, which had been severely damaged by a fire in January that killed their three dogs. A man approached them and threatened them with a gun, according to de Gonzales.

“Jonathan and I were unarmed and not threatening anyone. We were in mourning, standing side by side. When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of harm’s way. He saved my life,” de Gonzales stated.

Following the shooting, authorities apprehended 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja and charged him with murder in connection to Joss’ death.

Court records did not list an attorney for Ceja, who was detained at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.

San Antonio police stated in a release that their investigation “has found no evidence whatsoever to suggest that Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation.”

“We take such allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. Should new evidence emerge, we will charge the suspect accordingly,” police stated.

Joss, a San Antonio native, was best known as the voice of John Redcorn, a Native American character on the acclaimed “King of the Hill” series, which aired for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. A reboot is scheduled for August.

Joss also had a recurring role in “Parks and Recreation” as Chief Ken Hotate and appeared in two episodes of “Tulsa King” in 2022.

A GoFundMe page was established in January for Joss after the house fire. According to the page, Joss lost all his possessions, including his vehicle, in the fire.

Before the shooting, Joss had been in Austin, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of San Antonio, for events related to a preview of the “King of the Hill” revival.

On Saturday, Joss posted a video on Instagram saying he was signing autographs at a comic book store in Austin.

“Fans get to experience ‘King of the Hill’ again, which is wonderful because it’s a great show,” Joss remarked in the video, adding that he had completed voice work for four episodes of the revival.

Joss’ husband expressed Joss’ appreciation for his fans.

“To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He considered you family,” de Gonzales said.