# Fatal shooting of New York Times executive in California > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260930-fatal-shooting-of-new-york-times-executive-in-california > Updated: 2026-10-19T21:36:46.000Z. Sources: 107. Developments: 4. Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old engineering executive for The New York Times Games division, was fatally shot in a parking lot at the Dublin Sports Grounds in Dublin, California, on September 26, 2026. Authorities arrested McKinsey’s 77-year-old in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, in connection with the incident. The couple has been booked into the Santa Rita Jail and charged with murder. Prosecutors allege the suspects ‘lied in wait’ for McKinsey, an enhancement that could potentially lead to life imprisonment without parole. Witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals discharge firearms at McKinsey before walking away; police allege the suspects ‘took turns firing at him.’ During a court appearance on October 19, defense attorney Curtis Briggs alleged that the shooting was a ‘spontaneous act of self-defense.’ The defense claimed that McKinsey, who was involved in a contentious divorce and child custody battle with his estranged wife, Candice Jang, had previously threatened Chen’s life on at least three occasions, including an unverified allegation that McKinsey attempted to hire a hitman to ‘get rid of’ Chen. At the time of the shooting, McKinsey was at the park for a court-ordered visitation with his three children. The defense further alleged the elderly couple purchased firearms in March 2026 due to fear for their safety. The investigation continues to highlight a history of intense family conflict, including previous restraining orders and allegations of child abuse and domestic violence involving both McKinsey and Jang. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: New York Times executive shot dead by in-laws in California In-laws charged with the murder of New York Times executive Jonathan McKinsey claim the shooting was a spontaneous act of self-defense following alleged threats made by McKinsey. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/defense-claims-murder-victim-threatened-to-hire-hitman-against-mother-in-law ### 2026-10-01: New York Times manager shot dead in California The New York Times executive Jonathan McKinsey was shot and killed in Dublin, California; his 77-year-old parents-in-law have been arrested on suspicion of murder. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-times-manager-shot-dead-in-california ### 2026-09-29: California couple charged with murder in killing of New York Times executive A California couple, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, face murder charges for the fatal shooting of their son-in-law, New York Times executive Jonathan McKinsey, amid a bitter divorce and custody battle. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-times-executive-jonathan-mckinsey-shot-dead-in-california ### 2026-09-27: New York Times executive Jonathan McKinsey fatally shot in California The New York Times executive Jonathan McKinsey was fatally shot in a California parking lot. His in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. 91 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-times-executive-fatally-shot-in-california-park --- Cite as: Fatal shooting of New York Times executive in California. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260930-fatal-shooting-of-new-york-times-executive-in-california