News Summary
Jonathan Joss, known for his voice roles in popular animated series, was tragically shot and killed outside his residence while inspecting a previously burned property. The suspect, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, approached Joss and his husband, hurling violent slurs before opening fire. Joss’s husband credited him with saving his life during the altercation. The investigation continues as law enforcement looks into the motive behind this horrific crime, with reports of previous harassment made to local authorities.
San Antonio – Jonathan Joss, a well-known actor recognized for his roles as John Redcorn in the animated series “King of the Hill” and Chief Ken Hotate in “Parks and Recreation,” was shot and killed outside his home on December 9, 2012. The incident took place around 7:02 p.m. near the 200 block of Dorsey Drive, where officers located Joss suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving measures attempted by emergency medical services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting occurred as Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, were checking their mail at a previous residence that had burned down earlier in the year due to a fire. On the day of the tragic event, the couple identified the skull of one of their three dogs, who perished in the fire. Following this discovery, both Joss and de Gonzales were reported to have yelled and cried in distress, prompting the suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, to approach them. Witnesses indicated that Ceja yelled violent homophobic slurs before opening fire on Joss.
As law enforcement arrived at the scene, they quickly apprehended Ceja, 56, who was located nearby and subsequently charged with murder. A judge set his bail at $200,000, and he was booked soon after. The San Antonio Police Department commented on the murder investigation, indicating that there was no evidence connecting Joss’s sexual orientation to the motive for the shooting, despite de Gonzales’s claims of ongoing harassment. De Gonzales stated that they had reported prior threats, many of which were allegedly homophobic in nature, to local law enforcement before Joss’s death.
According to neighbors, there had been ongoing disputes between Joss and residents in the neighborhood prior to the shooting. Joss and de Gonzales had been returning to inspect their burnt property and to collect mail since losing their home in January due to a fire caused by a lit grill. Joss was reportedly in the process of getting ready to reprise his iconic role as John Redcorn in an upcoming revival of “King of the Hill,” which is set to premiere on Hulu.
Tristan Kern de Gonzales, Joss’s husband, shared that Joss’s selfless actions on the day of the shooting saved his life, as he pushed de Gonzales out of the way before the shots were fired. The emotional toll of the day, which included confronting the loss of their home and a beloved pet, escalated into a violent confrontation with Ceja. Investigations into the murder continue, and police have noted a history of significant prior involvement regarding disputes at Joss’s residence.
In the wake of this tragic event, Joss was remembered by fans as a cherished figure in the entertainment industry. He expressed gratitude towards his supporters and acknowledged the important role they played in his career. As the investigation unfolds, authorities work to determine the details surrounding both the suspect and the circumstances leading to this violent act.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- NBC News
- Google Search: Jonathan Joss
- San Antonio Current
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Crime
- KATV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: King of the Hill
- KSAT
- Google News: Jonathan Joss murder
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.
