The San Antonio Express News has reported a tragic incident involving Jonathan Joss, a talented actor renowned for his roles in video games such as Red Dead Redemption, Days Gone, Wasteland 3, and Cyberpunk 2077, as well as his iconic character John Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill. Joss, aged 59, lost his life over the weekend in what authorities are describing as a confrontation with a neighbor.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports, Joss was shot multiple times during an altercation near the location of his former residence, which had tragically burned down earlier this year. Emergency medical services pronounced him dead at the scene. The suspect, identified as Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
In a poignant statement, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, described the incident as part of a broader pattern of harassment they had faced. De Gonzales recounted that while checking their mail at the site of their former home, they were confronted by a man who hurled violent homophobic slurs before opening fire. “Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” de Gonzales said, highlighting the couple’s vulnerability during a moment of grief.
Background and Community Tensions
The couple had reportedly endured over two years of threats from local residents, culminating in the devastating fire that consumed their home. De Gonzales expressed deep emotional distress over the ongoing harassment, which included disturbing acts such as placing the skull of one of their deceased dogs in view at the site of the fire. Despite their efforts to report these threats to law enforcement, de Gonzales stated that no action was taken.
In contrast to de Gonzales’ claims regarding the fire, Joss had previously indicated that the blaze was an accident caused by a barbecue grill they had used for heat, as they were without gas or electricity. He accepted responsibility for the fire, which resulted in the total loss of their uninsured home and belongings. However, he also recounted instances of ridicule from neighbors during his time of loss.
Joss’s Career Highlights
Jonathan Joss was celebrated for his voice work, particularly as John Redcorn in King of the Hill, where he contributed to 34 episodes over 13 seasons. His career spanned various television shows and films, including Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, Parks and Recreation, Friday Night Lights, ER, and Charmed. Recently, he recorded lines for an upcoming revival of King of the Hill, set to premiere on Hulu this August.
While Joss’s appearances in video games were fewer in number, he demonstrated a knack for selecting notable projects. His career in gaming began with the 1996 FMV title Sante Fe Mysteries: The Elk Moon Murder and its sequel, followed by a role in the King of the Hill game in 2000. He later lent his voice to popular titles such as Red Dead Redemption, Dirty Bomb, The Walking Dead: Michonne, Days Gone, Wasteland 3, and Cyberpunk 2077: The Phantom Liberty.
