Jonathan Joss’ sudden and violent death has rocked the Parks and Recreation family to its core. Known for his role as Chief Ken Hotate, Joss was shot and killed outside his property in San Antonio, Texas, on June 1.
He was just 59. The actor, who appeared in a recurring role on the beloved sitcom, was remembered by his former co-stars as news of his murder spread. Nick Offerman confirmed the cast has been texting non-stop, grieving the loss together.
“The cast has been texting together about it all day, and we’re just heartbroken,” Offerman told PEOPLE in a June 2 statement. “Jonathan was such a sweet guy, and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate. A terrible tragedy.” Joss’ time on Parks and Recreation spanned five years, and his character was a fan-favorite leader of the fictional Wamapoke Tribe. His scenes always brought a unique combination of humor and grounded wisdom to the show’s quirky world.
On the morning of June 2, Joss’ death was confirmed. Police responded to a shooting call at around 7 p.m. on June 1 and found Joss lying near the road. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but when paramedics arrived, he was declared dead at the scene. His suspected killer, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, fled in a vehicle but was caught and detained shortly after. Cejam is reportedly Joss’ neighbor and is now booked for murder. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
But the details only grow more tragic. Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, shared a detailed and heartbreaking account of the incident in a Facebook post. According to Gonzales, the couple had returned to their property to collect mail three months after their house had burned down. He said the fire came after “over two years of threats” they had reported to law enforcement, threats that allegedly went ignored.
Gonzales wrote that when they arrived at the property, they found the skull of one of their dogs out in the open, which caused them immense emotional distress. “We began yelling and crying in response to the pain of what we saw,” he explained. While they were grieving, a man, identified later as Cejam, approached them and began shouting violent homophobic slurs. According to Gonzales, the man then lifted a gun from his lap and fired.
He said neither he nor Joss was armed, nor were they threatening anyone. They were simply mourning. “Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” Gonzales wrote. The post reveals just how much hatred the couple had been facing and the pain they had endured just trying to live freely.
Joss and Gonzales had married on Valentine’s Day this year. Gonzales said they were still living like newlyweds and were planning their future together. “He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get,” he wrote. “He was murdered by someone who could not stand the sight of two men loving each other.”
Gonzales stayed with Joss as he passed, telling him how much he was loved. “To everyone who supported him, his fans and his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family,” he added. “My focus now is on protecting Jonathan’s legacy and honoring the life we built together.”
Jonathan Joss was more than just a familiar face from Parks and Rec or a voice actor from King of the Hill. He was a husband, a friend, and a fierce light in the lives of those who knew him. His death wasn’t just tragic, it was brutal, senseless, and rooted in hate. For fans, the pain cuts deep. And for his castmates, like Offerman and the rest of the crew, his absence will be felt forever.
- Jennifer Aniston Caught Getting Cosy With Hypnotist Beau Jim Curtis in Mallorca - July 13, 2025
- Diddy Dodges Tupac Murder Trial Despite $1M ‘Hit’ Claim - July 13, 2025
- Justin Bieber Pays Scooter Braun $31.5M to End Their Partnership - July 12, 2025
