News Summary
Jonathan Joss, known for voicing John Redcorn in ‘King of the Hill’, was shot dead following a lengthy feud with neighbor Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez. The altercation, stemming from reports of erratic behavior and threats, highlights ongoing community tensions. Alvarez has been charged with murder and released on bail as the investigation continues. Friends and neighbors are now reflecting on Joss’s contributions amidst the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
San Antonio – Jonathan Joss, a well-known actor famed for voicing the character John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill, was shot dead on June 5 following a long-standing feud with his neighbor. The incident highlights a troubling cycle of disputes between Joss and those living nearby, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
The ongoing dispute escalated after numerous reports of erratic behavior from Joss, including late-night drumming on his roof and using offensive language towards neighbors. One of the long-standing neighbors, Daniela Ruano, stated that Joss had often hurled racist slurs at her family, particularly during the last two years. Complications intensified after Joss allegedly threatened a neighbor’s brother with a crossbow two years ago, although when authorities responded, no weapon was found.
This ongoing tension came to a head when Joss was involved in an altercation with 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who had also experienced multiple disputes with Joss over the years. Footage captured days before the shooting featured Joss brandishing a makeshift pitchfork, which he claimed was part of a rehearsal for a scene. However, this act, combined with earlier threatening behavior, foreshadowed the tragic outcome.
On June 5, during a dispute, Joss was shot outside his home. Following the incident, Ceja was arrested and reportedly admitted to the shooting. He has since been charged with murder and released on a $200,000 bond while he awaits a court appearance scheduled for August 19. Ceja’s legal representation argues for his innocence, requesting the public reserve judgment until all details emerge in the ongoing investigation.
In the wake of Joss’s death, a memorial has been established at his home, which has been a focal point of his family’s history since it was built by his father in the 1950s. Friends and neighbors have come forward to honor Joss’s contributions and support, emphasizing his talent and character beyond the controversy surrounding his final days.
Historically, police records reveal that authorities have been called to both Joss’s and Ceja’s residences nearly 50 times since January 2024 alone. Reports document Joss’s increasingly erratic actions, including damaging property and engaging in disruptive behavior. Mental health issues are cited in these records, suggesting that they may have played a role in the escalating tensions within the neighborhood.
Earlier this year, a house fire severely impacted Joss’s living situation, which he openly discussed on social media, expressing his financial struggles and seeking support. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, who married Joss on Valentine’s Day in 2025, has publicly suggested that the circumstances of the shooting may be rooted in homophobic motives. Initially, police claimed no evidence indicated a hate crime was involved; however, this statement was later retracted by the police chief, acknowledging it was premature.
Community advocates have voiced their outrage over Joss’s death, urging for comprehensive investigations into the events leading up to the shooting. With the complexity of the interactions between Joss and his neighbors, the incident raises further questions about the adequacy of mental health interventions and community safety responses. As the legal proceedings unfold, many are calling for justice not only for Joss but also for acknowledgment of the community dynamics that contributed to this tragic outcome.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Post
- Wikipedia: Jonathan Joss
- NBC News
- Google Search: Jonathan Joss shooting
- CNN Entertainment
- Google Scholar: Jonathan Joss
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jonathan Joss
- SA Current
- 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.
