New York Times Executive’s Parents Arrested in Slaying; Motive Under Investigation
Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, face murder charges in the death of their son-in-law, Jonathan McKinsey, amid allegations of domestic abuse and transphobic remarks.
An elderly couple, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, have been arrested and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of their son-in-law, Jonathan McKinsey, 40, a New York Times tech executive. The incident occurred Saturday in a parking lot at Dublin Sports Grounds in Dublin, California.
McKinsey, who served as the head of engineering for games player experience at the New York Times since 2023, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported observing two masked individuals who allegedly took turns firing shots at McKinsey before calmly walking away. Authorities apprehended Zhang and Chen shortly after, reportedly flagged down by witnesses who alerted a nearby police sergeant.
The suspects have been booked into Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail and are being held without bail on charges including murder, felony conspiracy, child endangerment, and firing a gun dangerously. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, with authorities reportedly exploring allegations of child and domestic abuse, as well as claims made by McKinsey regarding his in-laws' alleged derogatory remarks about his gender transition.
Court documents reveal a history of domestic disputes between McKinsey and his wife, Candice Jang. Jang alleged that McKinsey had been physically abusive towards her and their son, citing an incident in 2018 where McKinsey allegedly left their two-year-old child unattended. McKinsey had faced charges related to child endangerment and corporal injury to a child, which were pending a mental health diversion program.
Conversely, McKinsey had made his own allegations of abuse against Jang, claiming she had been violent towards him for over 15 years, including an alleged assault with a frying pan. He also claimed that Jang's mother, Shili Chen, had verbally abused their children and directed anti-LGBTQ+ slurs at him and one of the children. McKinsey, who was transgender, accused Chen of calling him a “disgusting queer” and a “pervert.” McKinsey also alleged that Jang attempted to remove medical tubes from him during a procedure related to his transition and that Jang's father had physically assaulted him.
McKinsey filed for divorce in December, and the couple was involved in child custody litigation, with a court hearing scheduled for the day after his death. Investigators are examining all potential motives, including the domestic and familial conflicts and issues surrounding McKinsey's transgender identity.
Captain Michael Campos of Dublin Police Services stated that the investigation is exploring motives from all angles and examining the histories and relationships of everyone involved. Zhang and Chen's arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.