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Jonathan Joss, widely recognized for voicing John Redcorn in the animated sitcom King of the Hill, was shot and killed outside his home in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday evening. He was 59. The incident has left the entertainment industry reeling and raised urgent questions about community tensions and firearm access.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the confrontation occurred around 8 p.m. on the city's south side. Joss was reportedly engaged in a heated argument with a neighbor, later identified as 51-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez-Cega. Authorities state that during the exchange, Alvarez-Cega drew a firearm and shot Joss multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes and attempted lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, Joss was pronounced dead at the scene. Alvarez-Cega was apprehended just a block away after officers received a vehicle description from eyewitnesses. He has since been charged with murder, and bond was set at $200,000.
"This was a senseless and avoidable act," said Lt. Robert Gallegos of the San Antonio PD. "Our investigators are working closely with witnesses to piece together exactly what led to this tragedy." As of Monday, officials have not released further details about the motive behind the argument.
Joss's career spanned decades, with credits in both television and film. In addition to his iconic role as the Native American healer John Redcorn, he portrayed Chief Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation and appeared in Ray Donovan, Tulsa King, and the 2010 remake of True Grit. A proud descendant of Comanche and Apache heritage, Joss frequently spoke about Indigenous representation in media.
"He brought authenticity and strength to every role," said actress Amy Poehler, who worked with Joss on Parks and Recreation. "This is a heartbreaking loss, both personally and professionally."
The shooting adds to growing concerns about gun violence in the U.S., where, according to the Gun Violence Archive, more than 17,000 people have died from gun-related incidents in 2025 alone. In Texas, where nearly 46% of residents own firearms, tensions between neighbors can turn deadly within moments.
As the investigation continues, friends, fans, and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes. One post read, "Jonathan Joss wasn't just a voice on TV. He was a voice for culture, dignity, and depth."
The neighborhood where the tragedy occurred remains quiet, marked only by a growing memorial of flowers and candles. The silence speaks volumes—about loss, violence, and a life cut short far too soon.
