Houston (AP) – The motive behind Jonathan Joss’ tragic shooting, a Native American voice actor renowned for his role in the animated series King of the Hill, remained unclear on Tuesday.
Joss’ husband purportedly cried out the name of the actor’s killer before a “violent homophobic slur” was hurled, but San Antonio law enforcement indicated that “there is no evidence linking Joss’ murder to his sexual orientation.” Police did not respond to several inquiries on Tuesday, as they sought more information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Candles, flowers and notes for voice actor Jonathan Joss, who was recently killed in San Antonio on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, constitute the Makeshift Memorial. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Since Joss’ murder, his friends and fans have been honoring his memory with respect and nostalgia.
Here’s what you should know about Joss, his career, and the events surrounding his shooting:
Who was Joss?
Joss, 59, raised in San Antonio, completed his correspondence and theatre studies at Our Lady of Lake University in 1990.
He was primarily recognized as the voice of John Red Corn, a Native American character from the beloved series “King of the Hill,” which aired for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. A reboot of the show, which Joss had been working on, is scheduled to premiere in August.
In addition, Joss played a recurring character in the series “Parks and Recreation,” portraying Chief Kenshota, and appeared in two episodes of “The Tulsa King” in 2022.
What events unfolded for Joss a few months before his death?
In January, Joss’s childhood home, where he still resided, was consumed by a fire, resulting in the loss of all his possessions, including his three dogs. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, in rebuilding their lives.
“We may have lost our home, but it’s not our hope. We’re moving forward with love, humor, and a little elbow grease… and we’re very grateful for every ounce of support,” Joss expressed in a Facebook post on May 14, indicating he was searching for a new residence in Los Angeles.
By late May, Joss returned to Texas and participated in a live music event in Austin, located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of San Antonio.
Who is charged with fatally shooting Joss?
Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is alleged to have confronted Joss and his husband while accessing emails at the torched house on Sunday night.
In an account from De Gonzales, it was stated that when Ceja Alvarez opened fire, Joss pushed his husband aside, saving his life.
Ceja Alvarez has been charged with murder. Court records indicate he was released on a $200,000 bond on Monday.
Alfonso Otero, an attorney for Ceja Alvarez, did not respond immediately to an email requesting comment.
Robert Rios, a friend of Joss, informed the TV station KSAT that Joss and Ceja Alvarez were neighbors, and the two had been embroiled in disputes for quite some time.
How is Joss remembered by his friends and colleagues?
Actor Chris Pratt, who collaborated with Joss on “Parks and Recreation,” fondly recalled him in an Instagram story on Monday. Both actors appeared together in the 2016 “The Epic Seven” remake.
“Damn it. Jonathan. He was always such a kind man,” Pratt wrote. “It’s disheartening to see this happen. Please pray. Hold your loved ones close.”
In a Facebook tribute, San Antonio’s Lady Joss’ alma mater, Our Lady of Lake University, stated he was “a pioneer in his field. His contributions and advocacy have made a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to inspire.”
“You were more than a character. You were a storyteller, a dreamer, and a force that would never be forgotten,” Joss’ friend, comedian Roy Alex Gomez, shared in a Facebook post.
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Source: apnews.com