San Antonio, Texas — Joss, the beloved voice actor best known for his role as John Redcorn in King of the Hill, was shot and killed on Sunday, June 1, 2025, police confirmed to PEOPLE.
According to authorities, officers responded to a shooting in progress at around 7 p.m. in San Antonio, where they found Joss lying “near the roadway.” Despite attempts at “life-saving measures” before emergency medical services arrived, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police quickly located and detained a suspect, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, who had fled in a vehicle. PEOPLE has confirmed that the suspect was Joss’s neighbor. Cejam has since been booked for murder, and the investigation remains ongoing.
A Storied Career: From John Redcorn to Parks and Rec
Joss, who took over the role of John Redcorn in King of the Hill after the original actor, Victor Arron, died in a 1996 car accident, became a fan-favorite for his portrayal of the smooth-talking Native American masseur and musician. The show, which originally aired from 1997 to 2010, is set for a Hulu revival this August, with Joss already recording his return before his tragic death.
Just last week, Joss attended the ATX TV Festival in Austin, where he joined co-stars Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill), Lauren Tom (Connie Souphanousinphone), Toby Huss (Dale Gribble/Cotton Hill), and writer Saladin K. Patterson for a panel discussing the upcoming revival.
Hours before his death, Joss posted an Instagram video expressing excitement about the reboot, saying, “It’s up and moving!” as he walked around Austin.
Beyond King of the Hill, Joss was known for his recurring role as Chief Ken Hotate in Parks and Recreation and appeared in Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, The Magnificent Seven, and more.
Outpouring of Grief from Co-Stars and Fans
News of Joss’s death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with co-stars and fans mourning the loss of a talented and kind-hearted performer.
- Mike Judge, creator of King of the Hill, said in a statement: “Devastated by the loss of Joss. He brought so much heart and humor to John Redcorn. Our thoughts are with his family.”
- Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill) shared on X (formerly Twitter): “Heartbroken. Joss was a beautiful soul. This is unbearable.”
- Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson on Parks and Rec) posted: “Chief Ken Hotate was one of my favorite characters because of Joss’s brilliance. A terrible loss.”
Fans have also flooded social media with tributes, sharing memorable John Redcorn moments and expressing disbelief over the sudden and violent nature of his death.
What Happens to John Redcorn in the King of the Hill Revival?
With the Hulu revival already in production, the show’s team now faces the difficult decision of how to handle John Redcorn’s character. Possible options include:
- Recasting the role (though fans may resist this, given Joss’s long tenure).
- Writing John Redcorn out with a respectful off-screen explanation.
- Using archived voice recordings if available.
No official statement has been made yet, but sources say producers are “weighing all options carefully.”
Ongoing Investigation: Motive Still Unclear
Police have not yet released a motive for the shooting, but sources indicate there may have been a prior dispute between Joss and the suspect. Cejam remains in custody, and more details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Cut Short
Joss’s death is a tragic loss for the entertainment world. His charismatic voice acting and memorable performances left an indelible mark on animation and comedy.
As fans and colleagues mourn, one thing is certain: John Redcorn’s legacy—and Joss’s incredible talent—will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Joss. (1969–2025)
