The Tragic and Powerful Story of Jonathan Joss

We’re wrapping up Season Nine of Once Upon a Crime with an episode that’s as unforgettable as it is heartbreaking. If you only listen to one episode this summer, let it be this one.

Before we head into our brief hiatus, we’re shining a light on the life and devastating death of Jonathan Joss, a beloved actor, musician, and fierce advocate for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities. You may know him as John Redcornfrom King of the Hill or Chief Ken Hotate from Parks and Recreation, but behind those iconic roles was a man with a story that demands to be heard.

More Than a TV Character: The Real Jonathan Joss

Born Jonathan Gonzalez in San Antonio, Texas, Joss proudly carried his White Mountain Apache and Comanche heritage into everything he did, from his performances on screen to his music with the Red Corn Band. He wasn’t just breaking into Hollywood, he was breaking barriers for Indigenous and queer representation.

But his path wasn’t easy.

Fame, Identity, and the Struggles No One Saw

In this episode, we dig into the real-life challenges Joss faced away from the spotlight. As a queer Indigenous man, he navigated a world that rarely offers safe space for intersectional identities. Mental health struggles, personal loss, and community backlash added weight to an already heavy load. Still, he never stopped using his voice to advocate for justice and visibility.

That voice became even louder in the final months of his life.

A Suspicious Fire. Online Threats. And Then—Silence.

When Joss’s San Antonio home was destroyed in a suspicious fire, the threats he’d been receiving suddenly felt very real. His social media posts during that time painted a picture of someone living in fear, but also fighting back with everything he had.

Then came June 1, 2025.
Jonathan Joss was shot dead. Unarmed. Vulnerable. His life taken far too soon in what many are calling a hate-fueled attack.

This episode takes a hard look at what happened, and how the San Antonio Police Department’s response has only added fuel to the fire—raising questions about whether justice will ever truly be served.

Why You Need to Hear This Episode

Jonathan’s story is emotional, yes. But it’s also urgent. It's about mental health. It's about systemic failure. It's about what happens when someone's identity puts a target on their back—and how we, as a society, respond (or don’t).

This isn’t just true crime, it’s true impact.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering Once Upon a Crime, this episode is one that sticks with you. And while we’re on break, you can dive into our catalog of over 350 true crime episodes—including a special Spotify playlist of summer-themed cases to keep your obsession fed.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
💬 Talk about it. Share it. Say his name.

Remember Jonathan Joss.

Because his story, and his legacy, matter!