Jonathan Joss, the cherished voice actor known for bringing John Redcorn to life on King of the Hill, was shot and killed outside his San Antonio home on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The 59-year-old actor’s life was cut short after a heated argument with a neighbor escalated into a deadly confrontation, leaving fans and the entertainment world in shock. This tragedy has sparked grief, outrage, and questions about what led to such a violent outcome.
The shooting took place around 7 p.m. at a residence in the 200 block of Dorsey Drive, near Pleasanton Road on San Antonio’s south side, close to Stinson-Mission Municipal Airport. According to the San Antonio Police Department, officers arrived to find Joss lying near the roadway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite their efforts to administer life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez-Ceja, allegedly fled in a vehicle but was apprehended a block away and charged with murder, with a bond set at $200,000. The exact number of shots fired remains undisclosed, but police confirmed Joss was struck multiple times.
Details about the argument’s origin are still unclear, as the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are interviewing witnesses to determine what sparked the dispute, with some social media speculation pointing to possible long-standing neighborhood tensions. No official motive has been confirmed, but the incident’s escalation to gunfire has raised concerns about conflict resolution and gun violence in the community. This tragedy follows a challenging year for Joss, whose childhood home, built by his father in 1957, was destroyed in a January 2025 fire that also claimed three of his dogs, adding to the emotional weight of his final months.
Jonathan Joss, born December 22, 1965, in San Antonio, was a proud Texan of Comanche and White Mountain Apache descent. He graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a degree in theater and speech, after attending McCollum High School and briefly studying at Texas State University–San Marcos and San Antonio College.
A commitment to authentic Native American representation in media marked his career. Joss became a household name as the voice of John Redcorn, the soulful Native American masseur and musician on King of the Hill, taking over the role from Victor Aaron after Aaron’s death in a 1996 car accident. Joss voiced the character from seasons two through 13 and had recently recorded lines for the show’s Hulu revival, set to premiere in August 2025.
Joss’s performance as John Redcorn was lauded for its humor and depth, making the character a fan favorite for his complex relationship with the Hill family and his emotional quirks. Fans on social media have shared heartfelt tributes, with one calling his portrayal
“the funniest Native character in cartoon history”
and another praising his
“pitch-perfect rezzy uncle performance.”
Beyond King of the Hill, Joss shone as Chief Ken Hotate in five episodes of Parks and Recreation, bringing wit and charm to the role. His extensive career included appearances in Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, The Magnificent Seven, and ER, among others. A talented musician, Joss performed with The Red Corn Band, a nod to his iconic character, and hosted The Redcorn Experience in Austin just hours before his death, where he connected with fans through music and stories.
The loss of Joss adds to the King of the Hill cast’s string of tragedies, following the deaths of Johnny Hardwick (Dale Gribble), Brittany Murphy, and Tom Petty. Fans have expressed devastation online, with posts like, “RIP Jonathan Joss. You brought so much joy,” and “They took my brother away from me man… I love you brother.” His death has also reignited discussions about gun violence, with many calling for safer communities and better conflict resolution.
Joss is survived by his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, whom he married on Valentine’s Day. No children have been reported. His legacy as a trailblazer for Indigenous representation and a beloved performer endures, with his work set to live on in the King of the Hill revival. As the investigation continues, the entertainment community and fans mourn a vibrant talent taken too soon.
