The Tragic Death Of “King Of The Hill” Actor Jonathan Joss And Why It Was An Alleged Hate Crime

On June 1, 2025, the entertainment world was rocked by the untimely death of Jonathan Joss, a distinguished actor renowned for his roles as John Redcorn in “King of the Hill” and Chief Ken Hotate in “Parks and Recreation.” At 59, Joss’s life was abruptly cut short in a shooting incident outside his San Antonio residence. This tragedy has not only left fans and colleagues mourning but has also sparked a series of investigations and debates surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Early Life and Career

Jonathan Joss was of Comanche and White Mountain Apache ancestry and was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 22, 1965. He attended McCollum High School and later pursued higher education at Our Lady of the Lake University, earning a degree in theater and speech. Joss’s career spanned over three decades, during which he became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Rise to Prominence

Joss’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of John Redcorn in the animated series “King of the Hill,” a role he held from 1998 until the series concluded in 2009. His deep, resonant voice and authentic representation of Native American culture endeared him to audiences. In addition to “King of the Hill,” Joss showcased his versatility with roles in “Parks and Recreation” as Chief Ken Hotate and appeared in films such as “The Magnificent Seven” (2016) and “True Grit” (2010).

Personal Life

In his personal life, Joss was married to Tristan Kern de Gonzales, whom he wed on Valentine’s Day in 2025. The couple shared a deep bond, and Joss often spoke of his pride in his Native American heritage and his commitment to representing his culture authentically in his work.

The January Fire

In January 2025, Joss faced a devastating personal loss when his San Antonio home was destroyed by fire. Three of his dogs perished in the fire, and valuable possessions were destroyed. Joss expressed remorse over the incident, stating, “Mistakes happen, man. And it’s my fault for, I guess, leaving something on.” He also speculated about the possibility of foul play, remarking, “Or if somebody came in and did something, who knows?” (en.wikipedia.org)

The Shooting Incident

Jonathan Joss and Tristan Kern de Gonzales went back to their burned-out house on June 1, 2025, to check the mail. During this visit, they encountered their neighbor, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, with whom they had a history of disputes. According to de Gonzales, Alvarez approached them, yelled “violent homophobic slurs,” and opened fire, fatally wounding Joss. As he described the terrifying incident, De Gonzales said, “He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired.” (apnews.com)

San Antonio Police Department’s Response

Initially, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) stated that there was “no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss’ murder was related to his sexual orientation.” However, following public outcry and further investigation, Police Chief William McManus acknowledged the premature nature of this statement, admitting, “I will own that and simply say again that we simply shouldn’t have done that. It was way too early in the process for any statement of that nature to be issued,” He further emphasized the importance of considering all aspects of the case, mentioning, “Whether Joss’ sexual orientation played a role in the shooting is part of the investigation.” (apnews.com)

Neighborly Feuds and Allegations

The relationship between Joss and Alvarez was reportedly strained, with neighbors noting frequent arguments between the two. One neighbor recounted, “We saw him on the street yelling, ranting, and raving.” Despite these tensions, there had been no prior reports of violence. The SAPD had responded to approximately 70 neighborhood disturbances involving Joss’s residence over the past two years, indicating a pattern of ongoing conflicts. (apnews.com)

The Decapitated Dog

Adding to the series of unsettling events, Joss and de Gonzales discovered the decapitated skull and harness of one of their dogs upon returning to their property. This discovery caused “severe emotional distress” to the couple, as recounted by de Gonzales. The act of decapitating the dog raised suspicions about the motives behind the earlier fire and the subsequent shooting. (en.wikipedia.org)

Community and Industry Reactions

The news of Joss’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the Native American community. Co-stars and fans alike paid tribute to his legacy. The creators and producers of “King of the Hill,” Mike Judge, Saladin Patterson, and Greg Daniels expressed their condolences on the show’s Instagram account in a post, stating, “His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family,” (apnews.com)

Ongoing Investigations

The investigation into Joss’s death is still ongoing as of June 5, 2025. According to SAPD Chief McManus, authorities are reexamining whether his sexual orientation was a factor, “Whether Joss’ sexual orientation played a role … is part of the investigation.” The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues related to hate crimes and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals. (apnews.com)

Conclusion

The tragic death of Jonathan Joss has not only left a void in the entertainment industry but has also brought to light serious concerns regarding community safety, the handling of hate crimes, and the responsibilities of law enforcement. As investigations continue, it is imperative that the circumstances surrounding Joss’s death are thoroughly examined to ensure justice and to honor the memory of a man who dedicated his life to his craft and his community.