SAN ANTONIO, TX — Beloved actor Jonathan Joss, best known for voicing John Redcorn on the long-running animated series King of the Hill and playing Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, was shot and killed on Sunday evening, according to multiple reports. He was 59 years old.
The San Antonio Police Department confirmed to Variety that Joss was fatally shot at his former residence around 7 p.m. on June 1. Officers say Joss suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to KENS 5, police located the suspect — identified as Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, also 59 — about a block away from the crime scene after he fled on foot. Alvarez was arrested without incident and is currently being held at the Bexar County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
Neighbors told local media that Joss had a longstanding feud with Alvarez. Though his home burned down several months ago, Joss reportedly continued visiting the property to retrieve mail from the remaining mailbox. Residents of the neighborhood say the two men frequently argued, and their disputes often involved weapons.
Joss gained widespread recognition for his role as John Redcorn, a spiritual healer and musician on King of the Hill. He voiced the character from Season 2 through Season 13, taking over the role after Victor Aaron, the original voice actor, died in a 1996 car crash.
Joss had recently recorded lines for the upcoming revival of King of the Hill, Variety confirmed. His death leaves fans and collaborators shocked, especially those looking forward to the series’ return.
In addition to his work in animation, Joss appeared in numerous television series and films, including:
- Parks and Recreation (as Chief Ken Hotate)
- Tulsa King
- Ray Donovan
- True Grit
- The Magnificent Seven
Fans and fellow actors are mourning Joss’ death and remembering him not just for his talent, but for his cultural impact as one of the few Native American actors with recurring roles in major television projects.
No motive has officially been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
A statement from Joss’ family and further details about memorial services have not yet been made public.
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