California Couple Charged With Murder After Son-in-Law Is Fatally Shot Amid Bitter Divorce Battle

A family dispute that had been unfolding in court took a devastating turn when a 40-year-old man was fatally shot at a public sports complex in California. His in-laws are now facing murder charges, according to authorities.

Jonathan McKinsey, an engineering leader who worked on The New York Times Games team, was killed in a parking lot in Dublin, California, on September 26, 2026. Police said officers detained his in-laws, Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang, after the shooting. Prosecutors allege that both were involved in the attack, and court proceedings are underway.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the fatal shooting, but also because of the deeply troubled family situation that preceded it.

McKinsey and his wife, Candice Jang, were involved in a contentious divorce and a custody dispute over their three young children. Court filings show that both spouses had accused each other of abusive behavior, and each had sought legal protection.

McKinsey, who was transgender, alleged in court documents that he had experienced physical and verbal abuse connected to his gender transition. He also accused his mother-in-law of using anti-LGBTQ slurs. These claims were allegations contained in legal filings, not findings that establish guilt.

The records also describe separate allegations made against McKinsey by his wife involving the care and discipline of their children. He pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him and disputed aspects of her account. The competing claims form part of a complicated legal history surrounding the family.

According to prosecutors, surveillance footage showed both defendants shooting McKinsey. Authorities also reported recovering firearms connected to the case. The couple have been charged with murder, including additional allegations involving lying in wait and firearm use.

The fatal shooting occurred about a week before a scheduled hearing in the divorce case. McKinsey had recently been granted limited unsupervised visits with his children, according to court records.

As the criminal case moves forward, the circumstances surrounding McKinsey’s death and the allegations made by members of the family remain central to the legal proceedings.

Source: Associated Press (AP News)