Neighbor Charged with Murder of ‘King of the Hill’ Actor Jonathan Joss
The murder case of Jonathan Joss, the actor best known for his role in *King of the Hill*, took a significant turn this week. Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, aged 57, has been indicted for his death, which occurred on June 1, near Joss’s home in San Antonio, Texas.
Details of the Incident
Alvarez was arrested shortly after the shooting and initially charged with first-degree murder. He was released on a $200,000 bond. According to court records from Bexar County, a grand jury formally indicted him on one count of murder.
Background of the Shooting
Joss was tragically shot after a dispute with his neighbor, Alvarez. Reports indicate that the altercation escalated when Alvarez yelled homophobic slurs and fired his weapon. Joss’s husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, asserted that they were unarmed and posed no threat. Kern de Gonzales recounted how Joss heroically pushed him out of the line of fire, ultimately saving his life.
After the Shooting
Following the incident, Alvarez fled the scene but later confessed to police, stating simply, “I shot him.” He initially claimed self-defense and denied any homophobic intent. Meanwhile, his relatives suggested that there had been no previous harassment between the two parties.
Community Response
In the wake of Joss’s death, Kern de Gonzales highlighted the couple’s struggles with harassment in their neighborhood, noting a pattern of homophobic behavior aimed at them. They had been living in hotels due to a fire that destroyed their home.
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) stated that they had received over 70 calls related to the couple’s safety prior to the shooting. They maintained regular contact with Joss and his neighbors to provide support amid these threats.
About Jonathan Joss
Jonathan Joss, who also went by Jonathan Joss Gonzales, was renowned for his voice work in *King of the Hill*, spanning all 13 seasons until its conclusion in 2010. He also appeared in roles in *Parks and Recreation* and films such as *True Grit* and *The Magnificent Seven*.
In response to news of Joss’s tragic passing, *King of the Hill* co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels expressed their condolences via social media. They honored his contributions to the show, emphasizing how his voice brought the character John Redcorn to life.
- Accused: Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 57
- Date of Incident: June 1
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Charges: One count of murder
- Bond Amount: $200,000
- Joss’s Known Roles: *King of the Hill*, *Parks and Recreation*
- Joss’s Death Reaction: Co-creators and fans expressed deep condolences
