San Antonio, Texas — Jonathan Joss, an actor celebrated for his portrayal of Native American characters, was fatally shot near his home on Sunday, leaving behind a significant impact on his community and the entertainment industry. He was 59 years old.
Local authorities reported that officers responded to gunfire around 7 p.m. on Dorsey Drive. Upon their arrival, they found Joss injured. Despite the efforts of police officers to save his life, paramedics later pronounced him dead at the scene.
Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed the tragic news. He stated they were at a former residence to check the mail when the shooting occurred. De Gonzales shared distressing details about prior threats they had received, claiming they reported these incidents to law enforcement with no effective response. He described ongoing harassment the couple faced, highlighting a challenging environment that ultimately led to their home being destroyed by fire, which also claimed the lives of their three dogs.
According to de Gonzales, the couple encountered a man who began shouting violent slurs before opening fire. “Jonathan and I had no weapons,” he explained. “We were just grieving and standing together. When the gunman fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way, saving my life.” He further asserted that Joss was murdered simply for being in a loving relationship.
While many on social media have suggested the shooting was a hate crime, the San Antonio Police Department stated there is currently no evidence to support those claims. Investigators are taking these allegations seriously, promising a thorough examination of all available information.
Authorities have arrested Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, and charged him with first-degree murder. Reports indicate that tension between Joss and Alvarez had built over a period of time, marked by both verbal and physical confrontations.
Joss began his acting career in 1994, appearing in popular shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and films such as 8 Seconds. He is perhaps best known for his role as John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill, which aired for 13 seasons. Recently, Joss had resumed recording for a reboot of the show, further solidifying his legacy within the industry.
His peers expressed their shock and grief following the news of his death. Colleagues from Parks and Recreation, where he played the beloved character Ken Hotate, shared heartfelt tributes to his comedic talent and kindness. “It’s a terrible tragedy,” cast member Nick Offerman said, reflecting on the impact Joss had on those around him.
The loss of Joss has prompted renewed attention to the couple’s previous struggles with harassment and threats. In a recent Facebook message, de Gonzales emphasized the importance of remembering the joy that Joss brought to many lives rather than focusing on donations. He urged everyone to raise awareness about the injustices they faced.
As investigations continue, the entertainment world mourns a talented individual whose work resonated across diverse audiences. Joss’ contribution to portraying Indigenous characters was not only significant but also brought depth and authenticity to their representation in media, a legacy that will be remembered long after his passing.