Renowned voice actor Jonathan Joss was shot and killed on Sunday night. The 59-year-old was known for voicing John Redcorn in the popular animated series 'King of the Hill,' captivating millions with his powerful voice acting.
Entertainment: Devastating news has emerged for fans of the animated television show King of the Hill. Jonathan Joss, the acclaimed voice actor who portrayed John Redcorn in the popular series, was murdered in Texas. The death of the 59-year-old Joss is an irreplaceable loss, not only for the industry but also for his many admirers.
His neighbor, Sigfredo Seja Alvarez (56), has been arrested in connection with the murder. Preliminary investigations suggest a pre-existing conflict between Joss and the accused. However, Joss's husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, has described the attack as a hate crime motivated by homophobia.
The Heartbreaking Sunday Evening
Around 7 p.m. on Sunday, San Antonio police received an emergency call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found a man, later identified as Jonathan Joss, lying bleeding on the street. Officers attempted CPR before the arrival of medical personnel, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival at the hospital.
On the night of the incident, Jonathan and his husband Tristan were visiting their former home, which had been destroyed by a fire in January. The fire also claimed the lives of their three beloved dogs. At the site, they found a dog's skull and an old harness, an emotional discovery for both. According to Tristan, Sigfredo, from a nearby house, then made homophobic slurs and opened fire. Tristan claims that Jonathan pushed him out of the way, saving his life but sacrificing his own.
Hate Crime or Personal Grudge?
Tristan's social media posts characterize the incident as a hate crime. He alleges that they had experienced homophobic behavior and threats in the area previously. However, the San Antonio Police Department stated in their official report that the investigation has not yet yielded clear evidence to definitively classify the murder as a hate crime based on sexual orientation.
Police say a thorough investigation is underway, and appropriate legal action will be taken if further evidence emerges. Meanwhile, the accused, Sigfredo, has been charged with murder and is being held at the Bexar County Detention Center.
Jonathan Joss: A Voice That Lives On
Of Apache and Comanche descent, Jonathan Joss voiced the character 'John Redcorn' in King of the Hill from 1997 to 2008. Through this role, he powerfully represented Native American identity within American culture. He also appeared as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation.
Just days before his death, Jonathan participated in an event in Austin, recording four episodes for a reboot of King of the Hill. A day prior, he shared a video on Instagram, greeting fans and appearing happy and excited.
Fans and Celebrities Mourn
News of Joss's murder sparked widespread grief and outrage on social media. Nick Offerman, who worked with Joss on Parks and Recreation, tweeted about Joss's kind and humble nature, expressing devastation over the violence. Fans shared that characters like John Redcorn inspired them to consider cultural self-respect and social issues. Jonathan married Tristan on Valentine's Day 2025 and had stated that his fans were like family.
Jonathan Joss's murder raises many questions—was this murder truly a hate crime? Does this society still harbor such venom towards homosexuality that it leads to the taking of a life?
