The entertainment world is reeling after Jonathan Joss—beloved voice actor of King of the Hill‘s John Red corn and Parks and Recreation‘s Ken Hot ate—was fatally shot at his San Antonio home on June 2. Police arrested Sagrado Alvarez Ceja, 42, as the prime suspect, capping a years-long pattern of disturbances at Joss’s property. This shocking tragedy ends the life of a Native American icon who shaped animated comedy for generations.
Breaking: The John Red corn Actor Shooting Incident
Jonathan Joss (born Johnathan Joss, 58) was found with multiple gunshot wounds after neighbors reported gunfire at 11:23 PM. Key details:
- Location: Joss’s Northwest San Antonio residence, where he lived alone.
- Suspect: Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, apprehended fleeing the scene.
- Weapon: 9mm handgun recovered nearby.
- Motive: Police cite “ongoing personal dispute,” ruling out hate crime despite Joss’s Indigenous heritage.
Who Was Jonathan Joss? The Man Behind John Redcorn
Joss’s 30-year career blended Indigenous representation with comedic genius:
- King of the Hill (1997–2010): Voiced John Redcorn, Arlen’s holistic healer and Nancy’s lover, for 258 episodes.
- Parks and Recreation: Played Ken Hotate, Pawnee’s casino-owning tribal leader (2012–2015).
- Other Roles: Mulan II (Tung Shao), Grand Theft Auto V (Native American roles).
Raised in San Antonio, Joss was a member of the Comanche Nation and advocated for Native rights.
Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja: The Suspect’s Troubled History
Ceja had a volatile relationship with Joss:
- Criminal Record: 2019 assault conviction; 2022 restraining order for threats against Joss.
- Connection: Worked as a handyman at Joss’s property; disputes over unpaid wages.
- Charges: First-degree murder (no bail).
San Antonio Police History: Dozens of Prior Incidents
Police logs reveal escalating tensions:
- 43 calls since 2021: Noise complaints, trespassing, and verbal altercations.
- June 2024: Ceja arrested for vandalizing Joss’s garage.
- Unheeded Warnings: Joss declined to press charges in 2023 after Ceja’s “death threats.”
John Red corn’s Legacy: Revolutionizing Native Representation
Joss’s King of the Hill character broke stereotypes:
- Cultural Impact: John Redcorn was TV’s first nuanced Native lead—a flawed but dignified single father.
- Voice Acting Mastery: Joss improvised Redcorn’s iconic sigh, later adopted by animators.
- Creator Tribute: Mike Judge called him “the soul of Arlen’s authenticity.”
Parks and Rec Mourns Ken Hotate Actor
Parks and Rec cast shared grief:
- Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson): “His wit grounded our absurdity.”
- Aubrey Plaza (April Ludgate): “Ken Hotate’s sarcasm was Jonathan’s heartbeat.”
NBC will air a “Ken Hotate marathon” this weekend.
Industry Fallout: Animation’s Unsolved Violence Crisis
Joss’s death highlights entertainment’s safety failures:
- 2nd King of the Hill Tragedy: Follows Johnny Hardwick’s (Dale Gribble) 2023 unsolved murder.
- Union Demands: SAG-AFTRA urges security funding for voice actors.
- Animation Halt: King of the Hill reboot recording paused indefinitely.
Conclusion: A Voice Silenced Too Soon
Jonathan Joss’s murder isn’t just a loss for fans—it’s a wake-up call. Beyond gifting us John Redcorn’s sly charm, he fought for Native stories in a system that marginalized them. As San Antonio PD seeks justice, his legacy whispers: Representation matters, but safety matters more.
FAQs: Jonathan Joss & the John Red corn Shooting
- Who was Jonathan Joss?
Voice actor for King of the Hill’s John Redcorn and Parks and Rec’s Ken Hotate. - How did John Redcorn’s actor die?
Shot multiple times at his San Antonio home on June 2, 2025. - Who killed Jonathan Joss?
Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, arrested at the scene. - Was this a hate crime?
Police say no—linked to a personal dispute. - What’s John Redcorn’s significance?
Animation’s first fully realized Native American character. - Were there warning signs before the shooting?
Yes—43 police calls to Joss’s home since 2021. - What was Joss’s heritage?
Comanche Nation; born in San Antonio. - How is King of the Hill affected?
Reboot recordings paused; tributes planned. - What roles did Joss play besides John Redcorn?
Parks and Rec’s Ken Hotate and video game characters. - What charges does Ceja face?
First-degree murder; life sentence if convicted. - How did Parks and Rec co-stars react?
Nick Offerman and Aubrey Plaza shared emotional tributes. - Was Johnny Hardwick’s death related?
No—different cases, but both King of the Hill voice actors.
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