San Antonio, Texas — Jonathan Joss, a celebrated actor of Apache and Comanche heritage, known for his voice role as John Redcorn on the animated series “King of the Hill,” was tragically killed in a shooting incident on Sunday. He was 59 years old. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared on social media that the shooting stemmed from a homophobic hate crime, prompting widespread uproar and mourning among fans and the LGBTQ+ community.
In his statement, de Gonzales detailed the events leading up to the shooting, stating that the couple had returned to the site of their former home when they encountered a disturbing scene, including the skull of one of their dogs displayed provocatively. De Gonzales described their emotional turmoil as they reacted to the shocking discovery, moments before a man allegedly approached them and unleashed a torrent of homophobic slurs, culminating in a violent confrontation.
De Gonzales recounted how Joss pushed him to safety as gunfire erupted. He expressed deep sorrow over losing his partner, calling Joss a hero who stood by him in a moment of peril. “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other,” de Gonzales wrote, urging authorities to address the underlying issues of hate that fuel such crimes.
However, local law enforcement officials have stated that their ongoing investigation has uncovered no evidence linking Joss’s death to his sexual orientation. They emphasized that the probe is active and evolving, dismissing claims of a hate crime for the time being.
Police responded to reports of a shooting in progress and discovered Joss near the road, where he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A neighbor, identified as Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, has been arrested and faces murder charges, with authorities indicating he fled but was apprehended shortly thereafter. His bail has been set at $200,000.
Joss’s career was marked by his impactful role in “King of the Hill,” which aired from 1997 to 2009. After taking over the voice role from the late Victor Aaron, Joss became a beloved figure in animation, having already recorded voice lines for an upcoming revival of the show set to debut on Hulu in August. His last appearance was at a panel for “King of the Hill” at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, just two days before his death, where he expressed his affection for the series.
In posts leading up to his death, Joss had candidly discussed his feelings about not being invited to participate on the panel—an event that represented a significant part of his life and career. In one message, he expressed gratitude to Disney for reaching out but revealed his disappointment over being left out, emphasizing the strong connection he felt to the show.
The outpouring of grief following Joss’s death highlights the broader social issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, as activists and supporters call for a more profound examination of hate crimes and the systemic issues that foster violence against marginalized groups. As the investigation continues, many await further information while remembering Joss’s contributions to television and the legacy he leaves behind.