Jonathan Joss, best known for voicing John Redcorn on the hit animated series King of the Hill, was fatally shot on Sunday, June 1, outside his home in San Antonio, Texas, according to San Antonio Police statements. He was 59.

San Antonio Police responded to reports of a shooting around 7 p.m. and found Joss lying near the roadway. Life-saving measures were attempted, but he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The suspect, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, a neighbor of Joss, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with murder.

In the days following the killing, Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, publicly alleged that the shooting was preceded by years of homophobic harassment from Ceja. Gonzales also stated that Joss shielded him from gunfire during the attack, sacrificing his own life.

Shortly after the incident, San Antonio Police released a statement saying they had found no evidence to classify the case as a hate crime. That statement has now been retracted.

On June 5, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus acknowledged that the earlier declaration was premature and apologized publicly:

“We understand members of the LGBTQ+ community are feeling anxious and concerned. A lot of that has to do with the premature statement we released—and again, I own that. We shouldn’t have done it,” McManus said. “As we observe Pride Month, please know that your safety and trust matter deeply to us.”

The department now confirms the motive remains under investigation and that hate crime elements have not been ruled out.

Joss was set to reprise his iconic role in Hulu’s upcoming King of the Hill revival, which is scheduled to premiere in August. Just hours before his death, he posted a video to Instagram from Austin expressing excitement about the reboot’s progress.

He had also appeared at the ATX TV Festival days prior, joining fellow cast members Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, and Toby Huss for a panel discussion.

Beyond King of the Hill, Joss was recognized for his roles in Parks and Recreation, Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, and The Magnificent Seven. He was widely respected for his contributions to Native American representation in entertainment.

As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and fellow actors have remembered Joss as a talented performer, a compassionate person, and—according to his husband—a hero.

Editor's Note: Article has been updated as of 6/6/25; 2:38AM CT, as San Antonio Police Chief stated on 6/5/25, that a hate crime had been prematurely ruled out.