Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old New York Times Games engineering executive, was fatally shot in a parking lot at the Dublin Sports Grounds in Dublin, California. Prosecutors have charged his in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, with murder and allege they planned the attack. The shooting occurred amid a contentious divorce, child custody dispute and competing domestic violence allegations.
On Sept. 7, McKinsey’s father, William Finney II, posted a Facebook message expressing hope that his son would visit the family. Less than three weeks later, police responded to reports of gunfire and found McKinsey suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators allege the elderly couple opened fire together before leaving the scene.
The case remains based on police allegations, court documents and publicly reported details. The charges remain allegations, and Zhang and Chen are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
| 1) | A father’s message preceded the fatal shooting |
| 2) | Prosecutors describe an alleged planned ambush |
| 3) | The killing unfolded during a custody dispute |
| 4) | Court filings contain competing abuse allegations |
| 5) | Investigators continue reviewing the case |
A Father’s Message Preceded the Fatal Shooting
William Finney II commented on a Sept. 7 Facebook post shared by his son, Jonathan McKinsey. The message said the family hoped McKinsey could visit when he had free time and expressed love for and missed him.
Police later found McKinsey with multiple gunshot wounds at the Dublin Sports Grounds after several 911 callers reported gunfire. The death brought renewed attention to the family’s pending legal disputes and the timing of the father’s message.
Prosecutors Describe an Alleged Planned Ambush
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen with murder. Prosecutors allege the couple intentionally killed McKinsey by lying in wait and firing together in a crowded parking lot where children were nearby.
Witnesses directed officers toward a black Honda Civic. Police conducted a high-risk traffic stop nearby, with Chen allegedly driving and Zhang in the passenger seat. Three witnesses identified the pair as the shooters, while surveillance footage allegedly showed them opening fire together. Investigators say Zhang later admitted shooting McKinsey, and police recovered a second firearm he allegedly acknowledged using.
The Killing Unfolded During a Custody Dispute
McKinsey’s death occurred while he and Candice Jang were living apart and contesting divorce and custody matters. Court records show McKinsey filed for divorce in December after the couple had been married for 14 years. Jang had sole legal and physical custody of their three children, according to reported court records.
A family law status conference was scheduled for Oct. 2, and a three-day domestic violence restraining-order hearing was set for December. A judge later approved unsupervised public visits between McKinsey and the children despite the continuing disputes.
Court Filings Contain Competing Abuse Allegations
Jang obtained a temporary restraining order in October 2025. About two months later, McKinsey sought his own order shortly before hers was due to expire. He alleged that Jang physically and emotionally abused him and mistreated the children. He also expressed concern that she could harm the children if he obtained custody.
McKinsey, who was transgender, accused his in-laws of abusive conduct. He alleged that Chen directed anti-LGBTQ slurs at him and his son and that Zhang struck him in the chest while he was recovering from double mastectomy surgery in 2010. Jang made opposing claims, alleging that McKinsey abused her, the children and her parents. She said she feared retaliation and described keeping scissors near her bed for protection in 2021.
Investigators Continue Reviewing the Case
Police served a search warrant at Jang’s home on a Tuesday night, but authorities did not disclose what they were seeking. The investigation remains connected to the shooting, the family’s court history and evidence from witnesses, surveillance footage and the traffic stop.
Prosecutors had separately charged McKinsey in October with two misdemeanor counts alleging that he struck his 6-year-old son and left his 2-year-old child home alone while shopping. McKinsey denied intentionally leaving the toddler and argued that Jang had orchestrated the incident to frame him. Those allegations are part of the broader legal record but do not establish guilt.
Authorities had not announced whether Zhang or Chen had attorneys when the case details were reported. Family members and Jang had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan McKinsey was fatally shot at the Dublin Sports Grounds. |
| 2 | His in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, face murder charges. |
| 3 | The case arose during a divorce and child custody dispute. |
| 4 | Court filings contain conflicting domestic violence allegations. |
Summary
The fatal shooting followed months of family court conflict involving divorce, custody and restraining-order claims. Prosecutors allege McKinsey’s in-laws planned and carried out the shooting, while police cite witness identifications, surveillance footage and statements attributed to Zhang. The case remains pending, and all criminal allegations must be tested in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the shooting?
Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old New York Times Games engineering executive, was fatally shot at the Dublin Sports Grounds in California.
Who has been charged?
Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77 and McKinsey’s in-laws, were charged with murder.
What was the alleged motive?
Prosecutors tied the case to a family conflict involving divorce, child custody and competing domestic violence allegations. Authorities had not publicly established a final motive.
What evidence do prosecutors cite?
The allegations cite witness accounts, surveillance video, the traffic stop, recovered firearms and statements police attribute to Zhang.