# California shooting of New York Times executive

> Situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-shooting-of-new-york-times-executive
> Updated: 2026-10-06T20:06:58.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Jonathan McKinsey, a games engineering executive for The New York Times, was fatally shot in a parking lot at the Dublin Sports Grounds in California. Authorities arrested his 77-year-old in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, on suspicion of murder and conspiracy. Witnesses reported that the couple allegedly took turns shooting McKinsey.

The incident follows a contentious child custody battle between McKinsey and his estranged wife, Candice Jang. Court records reveal a history of mutual allegations involving domestic violence and child abuse. McKinsey had previously sought admission to a mental health diversion program regarding misdemeanor charges of child cruelty, which he denied.

Further investigation revealed deep-seated tensions involving McKinsey’s gender transition and disagreements regarding his children. While McKinsey’s defense suggested he was a victim of isolation and violence by his wife and in-laws, Jang alleged that McKinsey had made death threats against her and her parents. Police recovered two firearms from the scene, one held by Chen and another used by Zhang.

In a recent development, Dublin police executed a search warrant at the Northern California residence of Candice Jang on September 29. Authorities seized several items, including her vehicle and cellphone, as part of the ongoing investigation. While Zhang and Chen have been charged with first-degree murder, lying-in-wait, and firearm allegations, police have not stated whether Jang is considered a person of interest, and she has not been charged with any crime.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Dublin police seize evidence from wife of slain NYT engineer

Dublin police seized property from Candice Jang during an investigation into the fatal shooting of her estranged husband, NYT engineer Jonathan McKinsey, allegedly committed by Jang’s parents.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dublin-police-seize-evidence-from-wife-of-slain-nyt-engineer

### 2026-10-02: Dublin in-laws charged with murder in shooting of son-in-law

A California couple faces murder charges for the fatal shooting of their son-in-law, Jonathan McKinsey, amid a history of mutual domestic violence allegations between McKinsey and his wife.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dublin-in-laws-charged-with-murder-in-shooting-of-son-in-law

### 2026-09-29: New York Times executive killed in California shooting

A New York Times engineering executive, Jonathan McKinsey, was fatally shot in Dublin, California. His in-laws have been arrested for the alleged murder amid a bitter child custody dispute.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-times-executive-killed-in-california-shooting

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Cite as: California shooting of New York Times executive. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-shooting-of-new-york-times-executive