Jonathan Joss: King of the Hill’s John Redcorn Actor Shot Dead
June 3, 2025 – In a heartbreaking incident, actor Jonathan Joss, widely recognized for voicing John Redcorn on the animated television series King of the Hill, has been fatally shot. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has described the circumstances surrounding the tragic event as a homophobic hate crime; however, local law enforcement has stated that there is currently no evidence to substantiate this claim.
At the age of 59, Joss’s contributions to television extended beyond King of the Hill, where he voiced a character from 1997 to 2009. He also portrayed Chief Ken Hotate on the beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation. The incident occurred as the couple visited the site of their previous home, which had been ravaged by a fire in January, a location marred by years of threats from individuals in their community.
Details of the Incident
According to Gonzales, the couple was overwhelmed with grief upon returning to their former residence, where they found the remains of their deceased dog displayed in a distressing manner. While expressing their sorrow, a man approached, hurling violent homophobic slurs before opening fire with a weapon he brandished.
“We were not armed and posed no threat to anyone; we were simply mourning the loss of our home and our pet,” Gonzales recounted. In a moment of heroism, Jonathan pushed his husband out of harm’s way, ultimately sacrificing his own life to save Gonzales.
Gonzales lamented the love they shared, stating, “Jonathan gave me more love than most people ever receive in a lifetime. We were in the process of looking for a new trailer after our marriage on Valentine’s Day.” He added that he was by Joss’s side as he took his last breaths, reassuring him of the love he held.
Ongoing Investigation
San Antonio police officers found Joss’s body near a roadway following reports of the shooting. A suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, has been arrested on murder charges as the investigation develops. Authorities have indicated their intent to thoroughly examine the allegations, stating, “Any emerging evidence will lead to appropriate charges.” Police remain committed to handling the case responsibly and thoroughly.
Industry Reactions
The tragic news has deeply affected Joss’s colleagues and friends in the industry. Actor Nick Offerman, who appeared alongside Joss in Parks and Recreation, expressed his sorrow, highlighting the profound loss felt by the cast. “Jonathan was such a kind individual. We loved having him as part of our team,” Offerman shared with People.
The creators of King of the Hill, Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson, released a joint statement mourning the loss: “Jonathan Joss breathed life into the character of John Redcorn for over a dozen seasons. His absence will be keenly felt in our upcoming revival.”
Legacy and Revival
Joss was most recently seen at a King of the Hill panel during the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas. His sentiments about the show were poignant; he had expressed his emotional connection, calling it a significant part of his life. The cherished show, which centered around the life of Hank Hill and his family in Texas, is set for revival, with a new season launching on Hulu starting August 4.
| Show | Role | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| King of the Hill | John Redcorn | 1997 – 2009 |
| Parks and Recreation | Chief Ken Hotate | 2009 – 2015 |
