Parks and Recreation actor shot dead aged 59

Gay star Jonathan Joss has been shot dead outside his former home in Texas. He was 59.

San Antonio police officers tried “life-saving measures” but the actor, best- known for voicing John Redcorn in adult animation King of the Hill and for playing Ken Hotate in mockumentary Parks and Recreation, died at the scene on Sunday (1 June).

Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja, thought to be a neighbour, has been charged with murder, according to Sky News.

Police deny husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales’ claim shooting was homophobic

Joss’s husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales claimed on Facebook: “That home was burned down after over two years of threats from people in the area who repeatedly told us they would set it on fire. We reported these threats to law enforcement multiple times and nothing was done.

“Throughout that time, we were harassed regularly by individuals who made it clear they did not accept our relationship. Much of the harassment was openly homophobic.”

The couple had returned to the house to check for mail, as they often did, and “discovered the skull of one of our dogs and its harness placed in clear view” which caused “severe emotional distress”, de Gonzales added. They “began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw”.

A man allegedly then approached them and “started yelling violent homophobic slurs” before raising a gun and firing.

“Jonathan and I had no weapons, we were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life. I was with him when he [died] and told him how much he was loved.

“Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get. We were newlyweds. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future,” Gonzales said.

San Antonio police have said they currently have “no evidence” that the killing of Jonathan Joss was a hate crime.

“Currently, the investigation has found no evidence to indicate that the Mr Joss’s [death] was related to his sexual orientation,” a spokesperson said. “SAPD investigators handle these allegations very seriously and have thoroughly reviewed all available information. Should any new evidence come to light, the suspect will be charged accordingly.”

Tributes have poured in for Joss, who also appeared in hit drama Roy Donovan and 90s TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger.

Hollywood A-lister Chris Pratt, who appeared alongside Joss in Parks and Recreation and the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven, wrote on his Instagram stories on Monday (2 June): “Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude. Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.”

Nick Offerman, who also appeared in Parks and Recreation, told People: “The cast has been texting about it all day and we’re just heart-broken. Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.”

And in a joint statement, King of the Hill creators Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Saladin Patterson said: “Jonathan Joss brought John Redcorn to life for over a dozen seasons, including in the upcoming revival. His voice will be missed, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family.”