King of the Hill’s Jonathan Joss killed in hate crime

Jonathan Joss Killed: A Community Mourns

Jonathan Joss, the cherished voice actor behind John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was killed in a homophobic hate crime in San Antonio, Texas, at 11 p.m. on the 200 block of Dorsey Drive. The 59-year-old, legally Jonathan Joss de Gonzales, was shot dead in a targeted attack rooted in anti-gay hatred, according to his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales.

A 56-year-old neighbor, Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, faces murder charges, with the San Antonio Police Department investigating the shooting as a hate crime. Fans are grieving the loss of a talented King of the Hill actor whose death, days before Pride Month, has sparked outrage and calls for justice. This article explores the homophobic hate crime, the San Antonio shooting, Joss’s enduring legacy, and fan reactions, while connecting to other celebrities impacted by hate-driven violence in 2025.

King of the Hill Actor: Joss’s Lasting Legacy

As a King of the Hill actor, Jonathan Joss brought depth to John Redcorn, the New Age healer and masseur, from Seasons 2 to 13 (1998–2009). His warm voice and nuanced performance made Redcorn a fan favorite, with fans praising his portrayal of Native American identity. His character was so beloved that music artist SiR created a a song &video centered around John Redcorn.

Joss was set to reprise the role in the Hulu revival. Premiering August 4, 2025, with a recent credit sequence showing Redcorn in his tan Jeep.

Joss’s career spanned roles in Parks and Recreation and The Magnificent Seven (1998). Nonetheless, King of the Hill defined his legacy. Created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, the series, lauded by Time as one of the greatest TV shows, found humor in everyday life. Joss’s contribution, alongside guest stars like Johnny Depp and Tom Petty, earned the show two Emmys. His death has cast a shadow over the reboot, with fans honoring his impact.

Jonathan Joss Killed: A Targeted Attack

The San Antonio shooting that claimed Jonathan Joss’s life was a deliberate act of homophobic violence. As detailed by his husband on Facebook. Joss and de Gonzales, married on Valentine’s Day 2025, were checking mail at their former home—destroyed in a January 2025 arson fire—when Ceja, a neighbor with a history of harassment, allegedly opened fire. De Gonzales recounted Joss pushing him out of the way, saving his life before succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds.

Police arrested Ceja a block away, charging him with murder and holding him on a $200,000 bond. The investigation, now involving the FBI’s hate crime unit, focuses on months of documented anti-gay abuse the couple endured. Including slurs and threats. De Gonzales wrote, “Jonathan Joss was killed because of who he loved. We were targeted for being open about our marriage.” The tragedy, occurring at a site already marked by loss, has left the community reeling, with fans demanding accountability for the homophobic hate crime.

Homophobic Hate Crime: A Pattern of Harassment

The homophobic hate crime that killed Jonathan Joss was the culmination of two years of relentless targeting, per de Gonzales’s statement. The couple faced regular harassment from neighbors, including homophobic slurs and vandalism. In addition to a January arson fire that killed three dogs and destroyed Joss’s childhood home, built by his father in 1957. “They made it clear they hated us for being gay,” de Gonzales said, noting unheeded complaints to police. The San Antonio shooting, described as a planned ambush, underscores the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially during Pride Month.

National data paints a grim picture: a 2024 Human Rights Campaign report recorded a 20% rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes since 2020, with gay men 30% more likely to be targeted. “Jonathan Joss killed in a homophobic hate crime shows how real this threat is,” an advocate told KSAT. Fans are heartbroken, with many linking the attack to broader societal intolerance. The couple’s openness about their relationship, celebrated at the ATX TV Festival in May 2025, made them a target. Further, amplifying calls for hate crime legislation reform.

San Antonio Shooting: A City Grapples

The San Antonio shooting unfolded at a site of personal significance for Joss, where he and de Gonzales had faced ongoing hostility. Neighbors reported prior incidents, including a May 2024 altercation where Ceja allegedly yelled slurs at the couple. On June 1, as Joss retrieved mail, Ceja reportedly shouted anti-gay insults before firing, per de Gonzales’s account. Police found Joss near the roadway, but EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.

The shooting has exposed safety gaps in San Antonio’s south side. Community leaders are pressing for increased police patrols and hate crime awareness training. The incident, covered by local outlets like KENS 5, has galvanized LGBTQ+ groups, with plans for a June 7 memorial. Fans see the San Antonio shooting as a wake-up call. Ultimately, urging action against homophobic violence in a city known for its cultural diversity.

Other Celebrities Targeted by LGBTQ+ Hate

Jonathan Ross’s tragic death, reportedly the result of a homophobic hate crime, adds to a devastating pattern of violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. His case has reignited conversations around celebrity safety and the dangerous persistence of homophobia.

Other public figures have faced similar hostility, if not fatal violence. In 2020, transgender actor and activist Iyanna Dior was violently attacked in Minnesota—an incident that went viral and spotlighted the dangers trans women of color face daily. Laverne Cox, a pioneering trans actress, revealed she was harassed and nearly assaulted while walking in Los Angeles in 2020, saying the experience left her shaken but not silenced.

Comedian Dave Chappelle has faced consistent backlash for controversial jokes about the trans community. His Netflix specials prompted widespread protests from LGBTQ+ advocates and employees, raising concerns about how public discourse can contribute to hostile climates. Similarly, DaBaby ignited outrage in 2021 for homophobic remarks during a performance, leading to dropped endorsements and festival appearances. Though he later apologized, the incident is still cited as an example of how words can perpetuate harm.

Openly gay figures like Ellen DeGeneres and Lil Nas X have used their platforms to speak against hate. Ellen has long been a vocal opponent of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, while Lil Nas X has responded to homophobia in hip-hop with both defiance and humor, helping shift cultural attitudes.

From social media hate to real-life violence, the attacks faced by LGBTQ+ celebrities underscore the continuing dangers of being visible—and proud. Jonathan Ross’s death is not an isolated tragedy, but part of a much larger, ongoing struggle for safety and acceptance.

Grief and Outrage From All Over The World

Fans on X are mourning Jonathan Joss killed in a homophobic hate crime. “Jonathan Joss killed for being gay? This is devastating,” one tweeted. Another wrote, “RIP Jonathan. John Redcorn was my favorite—hate stole him.” A third posted, “San Antonio shooting was a hate crime. Justice for Joss!” Supporters demand action, with one tweeting, “Jonathan Joss killed because of homophobia—when will it end?” Another said, “His love with Tristan was beautiful. Hate can’t erase that.”

What’s Next for Joss’s Legacy?

Tristan Kern de Gonzales plans to keep Joss’s name alive, with a June 7 vigil set in San Antonio. “Jonathan Joss killed, but his spirit will inspire change,” de Gonzales wrote. The King of the Hill revival will dedicate its premiere to Joss, with Hulu considering a tribute episode. Fans hope for justice, with Ceja’s trial pending. “Jonathan Joss was killed, but his voice lives on,” a fan said. Advocacy groups are pushing for stronger hate crime laws, fueled by the tragedy.

The San Antonio shooting has united fans and activists, with calls for Pride Month to honor Joss’s courage. “Jonathan Joss killed for loving freely—we’ll fight for him,” an organizer said. As the King of the Hill actor’s legacy endures, his death remains a stark reminder of the work needed to end homophobic violence.

A Terrible Ending To A Lasting Legacy

Jonathan Joss killed in a homophobic hate crime in a San Antonio shooting has left fans heartbroken and outraged. The King of the Hill actor, beloved as John Redcorn, was targeted for his open love with husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales. Further highlighting the deadly toll of anti-LGBTQ+ hatred. Alongside figures like Laverne Cox facing hate violence, Joss’s death underscores a critical need for change. Fans on X, limited to five voices here, mourn his loss while demanding justice. As the Hulu revival looms, Joss’s legacy as a King of the Hill actor and advocate shines. Ensuring his impact endures for years to come.