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Jonathan Joss murder investigators consider whether actor’s sexual orientation played a role. Here’s what to know.
While it remains unclear what prompted the fatal shooting of Jonathan Joss, a Native American voice actor best known for his work on the animated television series “King of the Hill,” police say they are looking into whether his sexual orientation played a role in his death.
Joss’ husband has claimed it was a hate crime, saying the person who killed the actor yelled “violent homophobic slurs” before opening fire.
Initially, San Antonio police said they found “no evidence whatsoever to indicate that Mr. Joss’ murder was related to his sexual orientation.”
But on Thursday, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus walked back that statement, saying it had been made prematurely and whether Joss’ sexual orientation played a role in the shooting “is part of the investigation.”
KSAT via AP
Since Joss’ killing, friends, actors Joss worked with and fans have honored the actor’s memory with tributes and fond remembrances.
Here’s what to know about Joss, his career and his shooting:
Who was Joss?
Joss, 59, grew up in San Antonio and graduated from the communications and theater program at Our Lady of the Lake University in 1990.
Joss was best known as the voice of John Redcorn, a Native American character on the popular “King of the Hill” animated series, which ran for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2008. A reboot of the show, which Joss had already worked on, is set to start in August.
Joss also had a recurring role on the television show “Parks and Recreation,” playing Chief Ken Hotate. He appeared in two episodes of the series “Tulsa King” in 2022.
What was Joss doing in the months before his death?
Joss’ childhood home, where he still lived, burned down in January. He lost all his belongings, and his three dogs were killed in the blaze. A GoFundMe account had been set up to help Joss and his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, get back on their feet.
“We may have lost our home, but not our hope. We’re moving forward with love, humor, and a little elbow grease … and we’re incredibly grateful for every ounce of support,” Joss said in a May 14 Facebook post in which he indicated he was in Los Angeles looking for a new home.
By the end of May, Joss was back in Texas, and on Saturday, he took part in a live music performance in Austin, located about 80 miles northeast of San Antonio.
Who is accused of fatally shooting Joss?
Sigfredo Ceja Alvarez, 56, is accused by police of confronting Joss and his husband as they were checking their mail at the burned-down home Sunday night.
In a statement, de Gonzales alleged that when Ceja Alvarez opened fire, Joss pushed his husband out of the way and saved his life.
When police arrived, officers found Joss lying near the roadway, police said in a statement. CBS affiliate KENS-TV reported Joss had been shot multiple times.
Ceja Alvarez was charged with murder. He is free on a $200,000 bond. KENS-TV captured video of Alvarez walking out of the Bexar County Jail on Wednesday afternoon after posting bond.
Eric Gay / AP
Ceja Alvarez’s attorney, Alfonso Otero, has not returned multiple calls or emails seeking comment.
Robert Rios, a friend of Joss’, told TV station KSAT that Joss and Ceja Alvarez were neighbors and the two had argued for years.
McManus said police had been called to Joss’ home and his neighborhood about 70 times over the past two years related to “neighborhood type disturbances” and that sometimes Joss made those calls and other times neighbors had called to report Joss.
How is Joss being remembered by friends, actors?
Actor Chris Pratt, who worked with Joss on “Parks and Recreation,” fondly remembered the actor in an Instagram story on Monday. Both actors had also appeared in the 2016 remake of “The Magnificent Seven.”
“Damn. RIP Jonathan. Always such a kind dude,” Pratt wrote. “Sad to see. Prayers up. Hug your loved ones.”
Nick Offerman, who also worked with Joss on the show, told People in a statement that the heartbroken cast had been “texting together about it all day.”
“Jonathan was such a sweet guy and we loved having him as our Chief Ken Hotate,” Offerman said. “A terrible tragedy.”
In a Facebook post, San Antonio-based Our Lady of the Lake University, Joss’ alma mater, called him “a trailblazer in his field. His work and advocacy have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to inspire.”
“His voice will be missed at King of the Hill, and we extend our deepest condolences to Jonathan’s friends and family,” the show’s creators and producers – Mike Judge, Greg Daniels and Saladin Patterson – said in a statement on the animated series’ Instagram page.
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At least 80 shots fired in mass shooting at house party, 1 person killed, 11 hurt, arrest made, authorities say
Hickory, N.C. — A 20-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on an attempted murder charge in connection with a weekend shooting around a house party in North Carolina that led to the death of one person and injuries of 11 others, sheriff’s deputies said.
Garon Nathaniel Killian, 20, of Lenoir, was being held in jail without bond, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Online records didn’t show booking or lawyer information for Killian and the county court clerk’s office’s phone didn’t accept voicemails Tuesday evening.
Sarah C. Johnson / The Hickory Daily Record via AP
Authorities executed search warrants on Tuesday as part of the investigation into the shooting, which left some people with gunshot wounds and others with injuries from fleeing the gunfire. Additional people could be arrested, the sheriff’s office said.
The shooting took place early Sunday in a usually quiet residential neighborhood in southwest Catawba County, about 7 miles south of the city of Hickory. Authorities said at least 80 shots were fired beginning at about 12:45 a.m. People reported running, ducking for cover and scrambling to their cars for safety.
The crime scene spanned several properties along a neighborhood road, covering about 2 acres, and included outdoor and indoor areas, Sheriff’s office Maj. Aaron Turk said Sunday.
Sarah C. Johnson / The Hickory Daily Record via AP
A 58-year-old man, Shawn Patrick Hood, of Lenoir, was killed. He was the oldest of the victims, who ranged in age from as young as 16, the sheriff’s office said. The agency said it was asking for people who attended the party to contact the office.
Sheriff’s Major Aaron Turk said at a news conference Tuesday that the party was apparently promoted on social media, CBS Charlotte, N.C. affiliate WBTV reports.
The party’s focus appeared to be the pool in the home’s backyard. Details about who promoted the party and what the entry fee was weren’t provided.
Hood was helping to promote the party, officials said.
Shooting in South Carolina beach town sends at least 11 to hospitals
Little River, S.C. — At least 11 people were taken to hospitals after a shooting Sunday night in this South Carolina beach town, authorities said.
Horry County Police didn’t give the conditions of any of those who were hurt.
Horry County Police Department via AP
It wasn’t clear whether every victim was shot, according to CBS Florence, S.C. affiliate WBTW-TV.
Investigators were getting reports of more people arriving at the hospital in private vehicles, Horry County Police said on social media.
About 90 minutes after the shooting, police called it an isolated incident and said there was no risk to the community. They didn’t release any information on possible suspects or what led to the shooting.
It happened around a boat dock near the Intracoastal Waterway.
Video from the scene showed dozens of police cars and ambulances rushing in and out of the area.
A North Myrtle Beach police officer responding to the shooting accidentally shot himself in the leg at a marina about 3 miles away and was in a hospital in stable condition, North Myrtle Beach spokeswoman Lauren Jessie said.
Little River is about 20 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach.
One killed in Dorchester double shooting
One man has died and another victim remains in critical condition following a shooting in Dorchester on Saturday night, Boston Police reported Sunday.
At about 9:47 p.m. Saturday night, police responded to a shot spotter activation around 38 Franklin Hill Ave. in Dorchester, BPD stated.
At the scene, officers found two victims with gunshot wounds. Both victims were taken to a local hospital with “life threatening injuries,” police said.
On of the victims, identified as an adult male, was pronounced dead at the hospital, BPD said. The other remains in critical condition as of Sunday morning.
Boston Police said the Homicide Unit is actively investigation the case, and anyone with information is encouraged to call the unit at 617-343-4470.
Tips may also be reported anonymously through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS, by texting “TIP” to CRIME, or online. The Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team offers free and confidential support 24/7 for those affected via the number 617-431-0125.
Dad of Suspect in Jewish-Christian Couple’s Slaying Linked to Dem Rep
A Democrat representative reportedly invited the father of the anti-Israel suspect accused of murdering two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to President Donald Trump’s joint address in March.
In a statement to the New York Post on Thursday, a spokesperson for Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) said, “Eric Rodriguez was our guest during the President’s Joint Speech to Congress,” but noted the office was not acquainted with the man’s family.
Garcia previously said the elder Rodriquez is a veteran who serves his fellow veterans, the outlet continued:
Rodriguez also appeared in a Service Employees International Union video that same day, and said he was an Iraq War vet and an employee with the Veterans Affairs Department, the New York Times reported.
“I’ve been with the VA for three years, and the reason why I’m in Washington, DC, is because I’m concerned about what Donald Trump, Elon Musk and DOGE are doing to the VA system.”
His son, Elias, is accused of killing 28-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim in cold blood as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The Jewish-Christian couple was planning to get engaged soon.
Breitbart News called the suspect a terrorist who shouted “Free Palestine” at the time of the incident:
The attack is being described as an antisemitic act, given the venue, and given that the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was shown on video shouting “Free, free Palestine” and other slogans as he was taken away in handcuffs. He also dropped a keffiyeh, the traditional checked headscarf that has been appropriated by Palestinian terrorists to hide their identities, and that is often worn by anti-Israel radicals.
Video footage shows two individuals detaining the suspect as he shouted, “Free, free Palestine!”:
The suspect is accused of firing nearly two dozen rounds on the couple, the Post article said, noting that “Milgrim attempted to crawl away after collapsing on the ground, according to sources and court documents.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the suspect was charged with two counts of murder in the first degree along with felony firearms charges.
“This is a horrific crime, and these crimes are not going to be tolerated by me and by this office,” she said:
“A young couple at the beginning of their life’s journey, about to be engaged in another country, had their bodies removed in the cold of the night in a foreign city in a body bag. We are not going to tolerate that any more,” she stated.
Victims of fatal shooting at Jewish Museum in D.C. identified as young couple
The victims of a fatal shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., have been identified as a young couple who worked at the Israeli Embassy and were on the verge of getting engaged.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, and referred to them both as embassy staff members. The Israeli Embassy said the pair were “in the prime of their lives.”
“No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss,” the embassy said in a statement on social media. “Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., told reporters the pair was a “beautiful couple,” and said Lichensky had purchased an engagement ring “with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem.” World leaders quickly condemned the slayings.
The Embassy of Israel to the United States of America/AFP via Getty Images
Lischinsky planned to propose on trip to visit family
Robert Milgrim said that his daughter started working for the embassy in November 2023 after earning a bachelor’s degree at Kansas University and two master’s degrees, one at American University in Washington, D.C., and the other at the United Nations for Peace University in Costa Rica. Her degrees focused on international studies and policy, Robert Milgrim said. She had been hired at the Israeli Embassy before the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and touched off the war in Gaza, he said.
“This is her first real job after finishing her six years of education,” Robert Milgrim said.
The Kansas University chapter of Hillel, the world’s largest Jewish campus life organization, remembered Milgrim as a “beloved alum” whose “bright spirit and passion for the Jewish community touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.” She served on the organization’s board of directors, KU Hillel said.
Before working for the embassy, Milgrim spent several summers in Israel where she worked with “Palestinian and Israeli groups to bring them together,” Robert Milgrim said. She made both Palestinian and Israeli friends on those trips, he said.
“She loves Israel and she loved everybody that lived in the Middle East,” Robert Milgrim said.
Robert Milgrim
Lore Herzog, who has known Lischinsky since 2018, remembered him as a “very morally upright person with a very strong sense of justice.” The two met while living in Jerusalem.
“Yaron was super cheerful and seemed to really love everything he did,” said Herzog, who now lives in Amsterdam. “It was his dream to work in politics and international relations.”
The AFP reported that Lischinsky was a German dual national. Herzog said that he “spoke fondly of growing up” in Bavaria, a region of southern Germany, and was “very much in love with his childhood home” there. He came from a large family, Herzog said.
“He loved them all dearly and spoke about them all the time,” Herzog said.
Robert Milgrim said that his daughter met Lischinsky while earning a master’s degree at American University. The two started dating weeks after they met, and the the family “loved” Lischinsky, her father said. He said that the couple was flying to Israel on Sunday to meet Lischensky’s family in Jerusalem, adding that he was told Lischinsky had been planning to propose on the trip.
“We didn’t know that he was going to propose then,” Robert Milgrim said. “And the ambassador told us that he knew that he’d bought the ring and was going to present it to her in Jerusalem.”
Robert Milgrim
Suspect in custody
Elias Rodriguez has been named as a suspect in the shooting and is currently in custody, officials said. Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was initially “observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum” before he approached a group of four people, “produced a handgun,” and shot Lischinsky and Milgrim, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said in a news briefing.
Rodriguez entered the Jewish Museum immediately after the shooting, and was arrested by museum security, Smith said. Witness video shows Rodriguez shouted “Free Palestine” while being arrested.
Rodriguez had discarded the weapon used in the shooting, but told police where it was. It has since been recovered, Smith said.
Rodriguez also “chanted ‘free, free Palestine,’ while in custody,” Smith said.
Metropolitan Police said Rodriguez didn’t pop up on an initial search of crime databases and wasn’t on the radar of law enforcement agencies. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the city’s police department and the FBI will be investigating the shooting.
A Justice Department source told CBS News that Rodriguez may make his first court appearance as early as Thursday.
Woman shot after failing to stop at CIA headquarters gate, sources say
A woman was shot by CIA security Thursday morning after she drove up to a gate at the agency’s headquarters, and failed to stop, sources said.
The woman was taken to a medical facility with what law enforcement officials believed was a non-fatal gunshot wound to the upper body.
“There was a security incident that law enforcement responded to outside CIA Headquarters,” a CIA spokesperson said. “The main gate is currently closed until further notice. Additional details will be made available as appropriate.”
The CIA and FBI were looking into the incident.
The CIA headquarters is located in Langley, Virginia, about nine miles outside Washington, D.C.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Scott MacFarlane and
contributed to this report.
World leaders condemn shooting of Israeli embassy staff in D.C. as Israel blames antisemitic incitement
World leaders reacted Thursday morning to the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., as the Israeli government blamed the attack on “antisemitic incitement” by other countries, “especially from Europe.”
Washington’s chief of police said the suspect in the attack, identified as a Chicago man, shouted “free, free Palestine,” as he was taken into custody.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” President Trump said in a statement on his Truth Social platform. “Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she was, “shocked by the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC.”
“There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Israel,” Kallas said in a statement posted on social media.
IsraelinUSA/X/Anadolu/Getty
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on social media that: “Nothing can justify antisemitic violence.” He said his thoughts were with the Israeli embassy and the families of those killed in “the insidious murder.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on social media that, “the murder of two members of the Israeli embassy near the Jewish Museum in Washington is an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity. Nothing can justify such violence.”
Barrot said his “thoughts go to their loved ones, their colleagues, and the State of Israel.”
U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy said on social media that he was “horrified by the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in DC. We condemn this appalling, antisemitic crime.”
In a televised statement, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar blamed the attack on “toxic, antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world that has been going on since October 7th.”
Tom Brenner for The Washington Post/Getty
Sa’ar said this “incitement,” which he called “modern blood libel,” had been coming from “leaders and officials of many countries and organizations, especially from Europe.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media: “We are witnessing the horrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. The blood libels against the Jewish state cost in blood — and must be fought to the bitter end.”
European leaders have been increasingly outspoken in condemning Israel’s months-long blockade of humanitarian food and medical aid entering Gaza — which international groups said put the entire population of the Palestinian territory at risk of starvation. Israel did allow a limited number of trucks carrying food and other supplies to enter Gaza this week following intense international pressure, including from the United States.
The war in Gaza began after Hamas, a U.S. and Israeli-designated terrorist group, attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 as hostages.
The Hamas-run ministry of health in Gaza says more than 53,600 Palestinians, mainly women and children, have been killed by Israel in Gaza since.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that security would be increased at Israeli embassies around the world in response to the shooting.