Tragedy has struck the world of animation and television. Jonathan Joss, known for voicing John Redcorn on King of the Hill and appearing as Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, was shot and killed outside his former home in San Antonio on Sunday. He was 59.
Police say Joss was gunned down by his neighbor, 56-year-old Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, who was arrested and charged with murder shortly after the fatal encounter. His bond has been set at $200,000.
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, broke the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post Monday, saying the actor was “murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other.”
According to Gonzales, the couple returned to the property to check their mail. The home had been destroyed earlier this year in what he claims was an arson attack following “over two years of threats” from neighbors. Gonzales said those threats were reported to law enforcement “multiple times” but no action was taken.
While visiting the ruins, the couple reportedly discovered the skull and harness of one of their dogs left in plain view — a disturbing message that quickly escalated into violence.
“As we stood there, a man began yelling violent homophobic slurs,” Gonzales wrote. “He then raised a gun and fired. Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life. He was unarmed. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving.”
Authorities confirmed Joss was pronounced dead at the scene after attempts to resuscitate him failed.
Despite the allegations of a hate-motivated attack, San Antonio police said their investigation so far “found no evidence whatsoever” linking the shooting to Joss’s sexual orientation. “We take such allegations very seriously,” the department said in a statement, “and should any new evidence come to light, we will charge the suspect accordingly.”
Neighbors told local outlet KENS-TV that Joss and Alvarez had a history of disputes, but Sunday’s deadly escalation came as a shock.
Joss had recently completed voice work for the upcoming revival of King of the Hill, set to debut on Disney+ and Hulu in August. His career also included appearances in Tulsa King and The Magnificent Seven.
It’s a shame things escalated this far. Just like women, these men went to the police numerous times regarding the threats made by their neighbors and still in this man’s death, the skull of their dog, and the arson of their home, the police state there is no evidence of ‘hate-motivation’. This man is dead and it means nothing to the police, just as many women die at the hands of their perpetrators. When will there be a law that protects those threatened? Those being threatened can’t get their lives back once they are dead — so when will these threats ever be taken seriously?
Sending condolences to Joss’ husband and family.
I wonder why nobody tried to rescue the tied up dog? So the dog was tied up, preventing it from escaping a fire. Who was punished? Sickening people! They could have moved away from each other! If you don’t get along with your disgusting neighbor, move!
More of that white supremacy. Riiiiigghttt.