California Couple Charged With Murder After Son-in-Law Is Shot at a Public Park

A 77-year-old California couple has been charged with murder after their son-in-law was shot and killed at a public sports park in Dublin, California.

Jonathan McKinsey, 40, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot of Dublin Sports Grounds on Saturday afternoon, September 26. Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspects Were Arrested Near the Scene

Police identified the suspects as Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77. They are McKinsey’s in-laws.

According to police, witnesses helped officers identify the couple after the shooting. A police sergeant who was driving nearby discovered McKinsey in the parking lot while emergency calls were coming in.

Officers located Zhang and Chen near the park and arrested them shortly afterward. A firearm was recovered from their vehicle.

Prosecutors Allege They Were Waiting for McKinsey

Prosecutors have added an allegation that the couple was lying in wait for McKinsey. Court documents also say Zhang admitted to shooting him, while Chen invoked her right to remain silent.

Investigators also obtained surveillance footage that authorities say shows the shooting.

The couple appeared briefly in court on September 30. Their arraignment was postponed until the following day while they arranged legal representation.

A Divorce and Custody Dispute Was Already Underway

McKinsey had been involved in a lengthy divorce and child-custody dispute with his wife, Candice Jang, the couple’s daughter.

Court records contain conflicting allegations from McKinsey and Jang concerning domestic violence and the treatment of their children. Both sides had sought legal protection during the dispute.

McKinsey had filed for divorce in December 2025. A family-court hearing had been scheduled for October 2, just days after his death.

McKinsey Worked in Technology

McKinsey worked as a director of engineering for The New York Times’ Games division. He joined the company in 2023 after previously working in software engineering and technology roles.

He also had an academic background in computer science and had taught courses related to the field.

The New York Times confirmed his employment following his death.

Investigation and Court Proceedings Continue

Authorities have not publicly established a final motive for the killing. The case is continuing through the California court system, and the allegations against Zhang and Chen have not yet been resolved in court.

Prosecutors and investigators are expected to present additional evidence as the criminal proceedings move forward.

Sources

• Associated Press — “California couple accused of killing son-in-law in public park have been charged with murder” — September 30, 2026.
• ABC News — “Elderly in-laws accused of killing New York Times games engineer, police say” — September 29, 2026.
• San Francisco Standard — “Couple charged with murder in shooting of son-in-law” — September 30, 2026.
• The Guardian — “In-laws charged with murder of New York Times games engineer in California” — September 30, 2026.