An elderly California murder case involving a New York Times executive and his in-laws entered a critical new phase as 77-year-old defendants Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Jonathan McKinsey. The incident took place at the Dublin Sports Ground on Sept. 26 during a supervised child visitation.
During a hearing on Monday, Alameda County Judge Diane S. Meier ordered the previously sealed case file unsealed. Prosecutors allege that Chen and Zhang-the parents of McKinsey’s estranged wife, Candice Jang-waited for McKinsey before opening fire at the crowded East Bay park in broad daylight. The defendants were detained within minutes of the shooting and currently remain in custody at Santa Rita Jail without bail.
Defense Teams Highlight Health Concerns and Fear of Victim
While prosecutors have not yet publicly disclosed an official motive for the killing, defense attorneys used Monday’s court appearance to outline the arguments they intend to pursue as the legal proceedings continue. Assistant Public Defender Jennie Otis, representing Shouyong Zhang, stated that her client is physically frail, vulnerable to illness, and exhibiting signs of dementia and other age-related medical conditions.
Otis noted that Zhang has no prior criminal record and expressed deep concern regarding his health while housed at Santa Rita Jail. The defense plans to formally ask the judge during the next scheduled hearing on Nov. 4 to release Zhang or set bail to ensure he receives appropriate medical care.
Meanwhile, Curtis Briggs, the court-appointed attorney for Shili Chen, asserted that his client acted out of extreme fear. Briggs claimed that Chen and Zhang began carrying firearms in March because they were terrified of McKinsey. They alleged that the New York Times Games engineering director had threatened to kill the elderly couple on three separate occasions, including an alleged threat to hire a hit man.
According to Briggs, McKinsey was wrapping up a court-ordered supervised visit with his three children, monitored by a social worker, when the shooting occurred. Briggs argued that the family was deeply concerned for the safety of the grandchildren due to a history of instability and hostility.
Bitter Divorce and Custody Dispute Background
Court records reveal that McKinsey and his wife, Candice Jang, were embroiled in a contentious divorce and custody battle marked by mutual accusations of domestic abuse and competing requests for restraining orders. Jang filed for divorce in 2025 and secured a temporary restraining order against McKinsey, while McKinsey filed a cross-request for a restraining order.
Legal documents filed by McKinsey detailed historical friction, alleging that his parents-in-law subjected him to physical violence and anti-LGBTQ+ abuse, including an incident where Chen allegedly struck their young son on the head. Conversely, court filings from Jang accused McKinsey of physical abuse toward their children.
As the legal process moves forward, prosecutors and defense counsel prepare for upcoming court dates to address both the severity of the first-degree murder charges-which include special circumstance allegations of lying in wait-and the defendants’ medical and safety claims.
Key Details of the Case
- Defendants: Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang, both 77 years old.
- Victim: Jonathan McKinsey, 40, engineering director of games player experience for The New York Times.
- Date and Location: Sept. 26 at Dublin Sports Ground in Dublin, California.
- Charges: First-degree murder with a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait; defendants pleaded not guilty on Oct. 19.
- Current Status: Held without bail at Santa Rita Jail; next hearing scheduled for Nov. 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the defendants in the Jonathan McKinsey murder case?
The defendants are Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang, both 77 years old, who are the parents of McKinsey’s estranged wife, Candice Jang.
What charges do Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang face?
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges, which include a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait.
Where did the shooting take place?
The fatal shooting occurred on Sept. 26 at the Dublin Sports Ground in Dublin, California, during a supervised visit between McKinsey and his children.
What defense arguments have been presented?
Defense attorneys claim the elderly couple acted out of fear for their grandchildren’s safety following alleged threats made by McKinsey. Additionally, the defense for Shouyong Zhang is seeking his release due to his advanced age, physical frailty, and signs of dementia.
What was McKinsey’s role at The New York Times?
Jonathan McKinsey, 40, served as the head engineer of games player experience and engineering director at The New York Times.
