A 77-year-old California woman facing murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of her trans son-in-law is pointing the finger at her husband in newly filed legal documents. Shili Chen and her husband, Shouyong Zhang, were taken into custody on September 26 following the death of Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old New York Times executive. The deadly incident unfolded in a crowded parking lot at the Dublin Sports Grounds in Dublin, California, amid a contentious family legal battle.
New Legal Filings Point to Husband
In a recent bail application, defense attorneys representing Shili Chen argued that she did not fire the fatal shots that killed Jonathan McKinsey. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, her legal team claimed she watched from inside a vehicle while her husband shot the victim. Her lawyer, Curtis Briggs, stated that Chen only exited the car "to protect her husband from what she feared was an assault by Mr. McKinsey," as reported by the California Post. Furthermore, her attorneys maintained she was kept "in the dark" regarding any plans for the attack.
However, prosecutors allege the couple was "lying in wait" at the Dublin Sports Grounds prior to the shooting. Surveillance video reportedly captured Chen firing a weapon at Mckinsey after Zhang discharged his firearm. Her defense countered that she was not the "actual killer" because she shot McKinsey after he had already passed away.
The Dublin Sports Grounds Shooting Details
Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at the park. A Dublin Police Services sergeant arrived to find Jonathan McKinsey lying face up with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Key facts regarding the police response and arrests include:
- Witnesses directed officers toward a black Honda Civic fleeing the parking lot.
- Officers executed a high-risk traffic stop, detaining Chen as the driver and Zhang as the passenger.
- Police reportedly recovered a firearm in Chen's possession and a second weapon in the car that Zhang allegedly admitted using.
- Three witnesses identified both defendants as the shooters, and surveillance footage allegedly showed them operating "in concert."
- Law enforcement noted the shooting occurred in a crowded public area with children nearby, demonstrating a "blatant disregard for public safety."
Bitter Divorce and Custody Disputes
The violent confrontation followed months of intense legal disputes between Jonathan McKinsey and the suspects' daughter, Candice Jang. Court dockets revealed the pair were involved in competing domestic violence restraining order cases, a child custody dispute, and a pending divorce.
Court records show Jang sought a restraining order against McKinsey in October 2025, while McKinsey filed his own request two months later. Those competing matters were scheduled for a three-day hearing in December. Prior to his death, McKinsey accused Chen of directing anti-LGBTQ slurs at him and one of his children, and alleged Zhang struck him in the chest while he recovered from double mastectomy surgery. Meanwhile, Jang raised competing allegations of domestic violence and child abuse against McKinsey, which he disputed.
Pretrial Release Arguments
Both Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang are currently seeking pretrial release and are being held without bail due to special circumstance allegations of "lying in wait." Zhang's public defender argued that his client does not pose a threat due to his age, health, and the fact that the incident was an isolated family matter. Prosecutors, meanwhile, maintain the offense involved great violence and a high degree of cruelty and viciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Dublin Sports Grounds shooting?
Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old New York Times executive, was shot and killed at the Dublin Sports Grounds in California.
When were Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang arrested?
Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang were arrested on September 26 following the fatal shooting of their son-in-law.
What was the relationship between the victim and the defendants?
Jonathan McKinsey was the trans son-in-law of Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang, and was locked in a bitter divorce, child custody dispute, and competing domestic violence legal battles with their daughter, Candice Jang.