Jonathan Joss Death Sparks Tributes From ‘King of the Hill’ Co-Stars
2 days ago
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Tributes are being shared online after King of the Hill actor Jonathan Joss was killed in a shooting in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday, police confirmed.
Newsweek reached out to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) for comment on Tuesday.
The Context
Joss, 59, was known for voicing John Redcorn on Fox’s long-running animated series King of the Hill and its upcoming revival. He also starred as Chief Ken Hotate in NBC’s Parks and Recreation, and other credits to his name include: Tulsa King, ER, Charmed, Friday Night Lights, Ray Donovan, True Grit and many more.
Jonathan Joss poses for a photo on April 2, 2025. The “King of the Hill” star was involved in a fatal shooting on Sunday. Jonathan Joss poses for a photo on April 2, 2025. The “King of the Hill” star was involved in a fatal shooting on Sunday. Jonathan Joss/Facebook
What To Know
Police responded to a call in south San Antonio around 7 p.m. on Sunday, where they found an injured man near the street.
“The officers attempted life saving measures until EMS arrived. EMS pronounced the victim deceased,” the SAPD said, per The Associated Press.
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said in a statement posted to Facebook that he and Joss were “checking the mail” at their former San Antonio home, which had previously been the target of arson. In January, ABC’s San Antonio station KSAT-TV reported that their home—which had been built by Joss’ father—had burned down, killing several of their dogs.
According to de Gonzales, who wed Joss on Valentine’s Day this year, “A man approached us. He started yelling violent homophobic slurs at us. He then raised a gun from his lap and fired.”
“Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone,” he continued. “When the man fired Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life.”
Tristan Kern de Gonzales added: “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other.”
Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, 56, was later arrested and charged with murder in Joss’ death.
On Monday, the SAPD released a statement via X, formerly Twitter, about the shooting: “SAPD Homicide is currently investigating the murder of Mr. Jonathan Joss. Despite online claims of this being a hate crime, currently the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr. Joss’s murder was related to his sexual orientation.”
A separate SAPD X post read: “SAPD investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. Should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly.”
What People Are Saying
King of the Hill actor Toby Huss, who most notably starred as Kahn Souphanousinphone and Cotton Hill on the show, wrote via his Instagram Stories: “RIP old friend. Godspeed.”
Parks and Recreation co-star Chris Pratt posted to his Instagram Stories: “Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude. He played Ken Hotate in Parks and was also in Mag 7 [The Magnificent Seven]. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.”
Parks and Recreation co-star Nick Offerman told People: “The cast has been texting together about it all day and we’re just heartbroken. Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.”
Tristan Kern de Gonzales said in his Facebook statement: “I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved. To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family. My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together. If your concern is how someone coped with trauma or how loudly they speak when recounting injustice and being ignored by authorities then you never truly cared about my husband. Jonathan saved my life. I will carry that forward. I will protect what he built.”
What Happens Next
An investigation into Joss’ death is still ongoing.
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