News Summary
Actor Jonathan Joss, known for his roles in ‘King of the Hill’ and ‘Parks and Recreation,’ was tragically shot and killed outside his home. The suspected shooter, Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, a neighbor, has been charged with murder and released on bond under strict conditions. The incident has raised concerns regarding potential hate crimes in the community, especially among the LGBTQ+ population, following allegations of previous harassment against Joss. Local authorities are investigating the case further as the community mourns his untimely death.
San Antonio – Actor Jonathan Joss, known for his roles as John Redcorn in “King of the Hill” and Chief Ken Hotate in “Parks and Recreation,” was shot and killed outside his home on June 1. He was 59 years old. The suspected shooter, 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, a neighbor of Joss, has been charged with murder in connection with the incident.
Following the shooting, Ceja Alvarez was released from custody on a $200,000 bond the next day and is now under strict house arrest. His release conditions include random drug testing and a prohibition against contacting Joss’s family. The case has raised significant concerns within the community, particularly among members of the LGBTQ+ population, who believe that Joss was targeted in a hate crime.
Reports indicate that prior to the shooting, Ceja Alvarez allegedly hurled violent homophobic slurs at Joss. The San Antonio Police Chief, William McManus, later acknowledged that an initial assessment declaring there was no indication of a hate crime was “way, way, way premature.” The local police department has also commenced an investigation into a previous fire that destroyed Joss’s home earlier this year, which coincided with ongoing complaints of harassment from neighbors.
In the past two years, the San Antonio police received around 70 calls related to disturbances involving Joss and his neighbors. A community forum organized by Pride San Antonio in collaboration with the San Antonio Police Department has been held to address the collective grief and apprehension following this tragic event. During the forum, Chief McManus expressed an understanding of the feelings of anxiety and concern pervasive within the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of Joss’s murder.
As it stands, hate crimes in Texas are treated as enhancements to existing charges, rather than establishing separate charges on their own, which has become a point of discussion in light of this case. Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, detailed ongoing harassment that they experienced as a couple, including threatening messages to burn down their home and derogatory slurs aimed at their sexual orientation and Native American heritage.
On the evening of the tragic shooting, both Joss and de Gonzales were at the site of their former home, which had been affected by fire, when the incident occurred as they were checking their mail. When police arrived at the scene, they found Joss lying near the roadway, and efforts were made to save his life. Ceja Alvarez reportedly admitted to the shooting while under police detention, stating simply, “I shot him.” The police investigation remains open, and authorities have indicated that additional charges could be filed against Ceja Alvarez if further evidence is uncovered.
As the community mourns Joss’s loss, the situation underscores the urgent need to address issues of safety and discrimination faced by vulnerable populations in San Antonio. The city and its law enforcement agencies are faced with heightened calls for awareness and preventive measures to protect individuals against hate crimes and harassment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Death of Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Sparks Outrage
Shooting Linked to Drug Deal in San Antonio Leads to Arrests
Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Life of Mother in San Antonio
Texas Faces Funding Crisis for Free STI Testing and Child Care
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Actor Jonathan Joss
Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Shot and Killed in San Antonio
San Antonio Faces Severe Weather Threat and Community Challenges
Vigil for Actor Jonathan Joss in San Antonio
Tragic Murder of Actor Jonathan Joss Sparks Concern for LGBTQ+ Safety
Manslaughter Charge Filed in San Antonio Fatal Crash
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Jonathan Joss
- KSL
- Google Search: Jonathan Joss
- Hindustan Times
- Google Scholar: Jonathan Joss
- Dallas Voice
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jonathan Joss
- ABC7
- Google News: Jonathan Joss
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
