Jonathan Joss Gonzales, voice of John Redcorn in “King of the Hill,” was fatally shot in San Antonio following an argument with a neighbor, with his husband alleging a hate-fueled motive.
At a Glance
- Jonathan Joss Gonzales, age 59, was shot and killed following a dispute with a neighbor in San Antonio
- Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, 56, has been arrested and charged with murder in the case
- Joss’s husband alleges the killing was motivated by anti-gay hatred
- Earlier this year, Joss lost his family home and pets in a house fire
A “King of the Hill” reboot featuring Joss’s voice work is scheduled for release later this year
A Tragic End for a Beloved Performer
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jonathan Joss Gonzales, best known as the voice of John Redcorn on the animated hit King of the Hill. On June 1, Joss was shot and killed outside his home on Dorsey Drive in San Antonio, Texas. Police arrived to find the 59-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The altercation reportedly began as a verbal argument with a neighbor and quickly escalated into violence.
San Antonio authorities have charged 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja with murder in connection with the shooting. While the investigation continues, a motive has not been officially confirmed. However, statements made by Joss’s husband have drawn national attention and sparked a wider conversation on hate crimes and LGBTQ+ safety.
Watch a report: ‘King of the Hill’ Voice Actor Shot Dead.
Allegations of a Hate-Fueled Attack
In a public statement, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said the actor was “murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other.” He also shared that he was with Joss in his final moments, saying, “I told him how much he was loved.” The couple had recently endured another tragedy—earlier this year, their family home, built by Joss’s father in the 1950s, was destroyed in a fire that also claimed the lives of their two dogs.
Joss’s legacy stretches far beyond King of the Hill. His acting résumé includes roles in Parks and Recreation, Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, and Walker, Texas Ranger. He also appeared in major films such as True Grit and The Magnificent Seven. His final project, the 2023 video game Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, featured his voice work, and a reboot of King of the Hill featuring his character is slated for release later this year.
A Pattern of Loss and Resilience
Joss’s untimely death follows a year marked by personal hardship. Despite the loss of his childhood home and beloved pets, the actor remained optimistic. “We may have lost our home, but not our hope,” he said at the time. That spirit of resilience endeared him to fans across generations, especially within Native and LGBTQ+ communities, where he was seen as a pioneering figure.
The circumstances surrounding his death have renewed calls for scrutiny into hate-motivated violence, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals. While authorities have not formally labeled the shooting a hate crime, the personal testimony of Joss’s husband has resonated across social media and news outlets.
As friends, family, and fans pay tribute, questions remain about how an argument between neighbors could end so tragically. Joss’s passing leaves a void not only in entertainment but in a culture still grappling with the consequences of intolerance and violence.
