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

A couple in their 70s have been charged with murder after their son-in-law was shot and killed at a sports complex in Dublin, California, according to authorities and court records.

Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old engineering manager for The New York Times, was shot on September 26 in the parking lot of a sports complex east of San Francisco. Police said a nearby sergeant found him on the ground after witnesses called 911.

Police Arrest the Couple at the Scene

Authorities arrested Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang, both 76, near the scene. Police said the couple were still in the area when officers arrived.

According to prosecutors, Chen had a firearm when the couple were detained. Another firearm was later found inside their vehicle. Prosecutors also said surveillance footage showed both defendants shooting McKinsey.

The Killing Came During a Divorce Dispute

The shooting happened about a week before McKinsey and his wife, Candice Jang, were scheduled to appear at a court hearing related to their divorce.

The couple had been married for more than a decade and had three young children. Court records show that the divorce proceedings had included disputes over custody and competing requests for domestic violence protection orders.

Both Sides Had Made Allegations

Court documents show that Jang had previously accused McKinsey of physically abusing their children. McKinsey pleaded not guilty to related charges and later filed his own protection order request against Jang.

McKinsey also made allegations against Jang and her parents in court filings. The allegations were part of an ongoing and contentious family dispute that preceded the shooting.

The Case Moves Forward in Court

Chen and Zhang were scheduled to appear in court for arraignment after being charged with murder. The charges also include allegations involving lying in wait and the use of firearms.

Chen told a judge that she could not afford to hire an attorney, and a public defender was assigned to represent her. Zhang was also represented by a public defender at the initial court proceedings.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have gathered witness statements, firearms and surveillance footage as part of the investigation. Prosecutors say the evidence includes video that allegedly shows both defendants firing at McKinsey.

The case remains before the court, and the allegations against Chen and Zhang have not yet been tested at trial.

Sources

• Associated Press — “Police arrest a California couple in the public shooting death of their son-in-law” — September 28, 2026.
• Associated Press — “California couple accused of killing son-in-law in public park have been charged with murder” — September 30, 2026.
• Alameda County court records and Dublin Police Services information cited by the Associated Press.