Death of 'King of the Hill' actor Jonathan Joss documented, as fellow cast members express condolences
VINCENT T. SULLIVANHOUSTON (AP) - While the motive behind the brutal slaying of voice actor Jonathan Joss, best known for his work on the animated series "King of the Hill," remains uncertain, police are examining whether his sexual orientation could have played a role in the tragedy.
Joss' husband has reportedly claimed that the killer shouted hateful, homophobic slurs before unleashing a hail of bullets.
Initially, San Antonio police reported that they found no evidence whatsoever to indicate Joss' murder was linked to his sexual orientation. But in a marked shift, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus backtracked on Thursday, stating that this initial assessment was made too hastily and that Joss' sexuality is now an integral part of the investigation.
Since Joss' death, friends, colleagues, and fans have paid tribute to the beloved actor with touching messages of remembrance.
Here's a sketch of Joss' life, career, and the events leading up to his untimely demise:
Skip AdSkip AdSkip Ad## Who was Joss?
Joss, 59, was a native of San Antonio, graduating from Our Lady of the Lake University's communications and theater program in 1990. He gained notoriety as the voice behind John Redcorn, a Native American character on the popular "King of the Hill" series, which ran for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. Joss was also a recurring cast member on "Parks and Recreation" and made appearances on "Tulsa King" in 2022.
Recent Events Prior to Joss' Death
In January, Joss' childhood home was engulfed in flames, leaving him bereft of all possessions, and resulting in the tragic loss of his three beloved dogs. A GoFundMe page was established to assist Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, in their efforts to regain their footing.
"We may have lost our home, but not our hope," Joss declared in a Facebook post dated May 14, 2023, while in Los Angeles in search of a new dwelling. By the end of the month, Joss had returned to Texas, and on Saturday, he participated in a live music event in Austin, around 80 miles northeast of San Antonio.
Accused Killer and Possible Motive
Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is the accused assassin, having allegedly confronted Joss and his husband as they checked their mail at the charred remains of their former home on Sunday night.
In a statement, de Gonzales alleged that when Ceja Alvarez opened fire, Joss selflessly shielded his husband, sacrificing himself to save his partner's life.
Ceja Alvarez has been charged with murder and was released on a $200,000 bond. His defense attorney, Alfonso Otero, has yet to respond to multiple calls and emails seeking comment.
According to friend Robert Rios, Joss and Ceja Alvarez had been neighbors and had engaged in heated arguments for years.
Skip AdMcManus stated that police had been called to Joss' residence and the surrounding neighborhood more than 70 times over the previous two years due to neighborhood disturbances. Sometimes, the calls were initiated by Joss himself, while other times, they were prompted by complaints from neighbors regarding Joss' behavior.
Mourning and Celebration of Joss' Legacy
Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Joss on "Parks and Recreation," posted a heartfelt tribute to Joss on Instagram on Monday. Both actors had also collaborated on the 2016 remake of "The Magnificent Seven."
" damn, RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude," Pratt wrote. "Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones."
In a Facebook post, Our Lady of the Lake University, Joss' alma mater, wrote, "Jonathan was a trailblazer in his field. His work and advocacy have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to serve as inspiration."
In a statement on the "King of the Hill" social media pages, the show's creators and producers - Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson - offered their condolences, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to Jonathan's friends and family."
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Follow Vincent T. Sullivan: @VinnyTSullivan
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