News Summary
Hollywood actor Jonathan Joss, known for voicing John Redcorn on ‘King of the Hill,’ was tragically murdered on the first day of Pride Month. The incident, attributed to his suspected sexual orientation, has raised alarms regarding the safety of the LGBTQ+ community. Though Joss had reported previous harassment, San Antonio police have yet to classify the murder as a hate crime. His husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, aims to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals amidst rising violence and discrimination.
San Antonio – Hollywood actor Jonathan Joss, famed for voicing John Redcorn on the animated series “King of the Hill,” was tragically murdered in an incident with alarming implications for the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday, June 1. The suspected shooter, identified as Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, lived next door to Joss.
The incident took place on the first day of Pride Month, heightening concerns surrounding LGBTQ+ safety. While Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, reported that Alvarez directed homophobic slurs at Joss during the attack, San Antonio police have not designated the murder as a hate crime to date. The investigation continues, and details surrounding the circumstances leading to this violence are unraveling.
Prior to the fatal attack, Joss had expressed he had been targeted due to his sexual orientation, having faced harassment and threats in the lead-up to his murder. De Gonzales reported that the couple had previously endured extensive turmoil leading to the tragic event, with 66 disturbance calls made to law enforcement regarding their home since September 2023. Among these calls, 13 were directly related to conflicts with neighbors, indicating a troubling pattern of confrontations.
In a harrowing series of events, Joss was shot while he and de Gonzales grieved and checked their former home for mail, a location that had encountered distressing episodes, including destruction by fire due to prolonged harassment. Just before the shooting, they had discovered the remains of a deceased pet, prompting a wave of emotion. It is reported that during the attack, Joss heroically pushed de Gonzales out of harm’s way, ultimately saving his life.
The San Antonio Police Department indicated that they are still assessing the evidence related to whether homophobic motivations played a role in Joss’s death. They have not found any definitive evidence linking his murder to his sexual orientation thus far. Legal experts suggest that establishing hate crime charges is complex, as proving an accused individual’s motives requires substantial evidence demonstrating that hate existed.
The events surrounding Jonathan Joss’s death have triggered profound concern among members of the LGBTQ+ community. With rising incidents of violence and discrimination, many activists and allies are calling for increased awareness and protective measures for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in light of Pride Month celebrations, which aim to honor and support LGBTQ+ rights and identities.
Following his death, heartfelt tributes have emerged from fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry, reflecting on Joss’s kindness and the significant contributions he made to film and television. Joss, aged 59, was not only renowned for his voice role on “King of the Hill” but also for his appearances in popular shows and films like “Parks and Recreation,” “Tulsa King,” “Ray Donovan,” and “True Grit.”
Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez has been charged with murder, with a bond set at $200,000. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to probe deeper into the motives behind this tragic act of violence. De Gonzales remains steadfast in his commitment to preserving Joss’s legacy and the love that they shared, hoping to highlight the harsh realities faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals today.
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Voice
- Wikipedia: King of the Hill
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Jonathan Joss
- Newsweek
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Hate Crimes
- KENS5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- The Pride LA
- Google News: Jonathan Joss Death
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.
