Full Breakdown
Elderly Grandparents Charged with Murder of New York Times Executive in Dublin Shooting
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Charges
Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang, both 77, were arraigned on first-degree murder charges with a special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait after a daylight shooting at the Dublin Sports Grounds in late September. Prosecutors say the couple each fired a handgun at Jonathan McKinsey, a 40-year-old New York Times gaming executive, while he was attending a supervised visitation with his three children. The shooting occurred in a parking lot adjacent to a family-friendly park, and witnesses reported children present.
Background and Family Dispute
McKinsey was in the midst of a contentious divorce and child-custody battle with his estranged wife, Candice Jang. Both parties had filed restraining orders. McKinsey was out on $50,000 bail at the time of his death. Chen had previously served as a live-in nanny for the family.
Key Figures
- Jonathan McKinsey — Gaming executive at The New York Times, father of three.
- Candice Jang — McKinsey’s estranged wife, petitioner in prior restraining orders.
- Shili Chen — 77-year-old grandmother, charged with murder.
- Shouyong Zhang — 77-year-old grandfather, charged with murder; admitted to shooting McKinsey in police interviews.
- Curtis Briggs — Court-appointed defense attorney for Chen.
- Judge Diane Meier — Alameda County judge who ordered the unsealing of previously sealed case documents.
Legal Proceedings and Unsealing of Records
The criminal complaint, probable-cause declarations, and minute orders were originally sealed by an unnamed judge. After a letter from attorney Benjamin Murray on behalf of *The New Yorker* highlighted the public-interest nature of the case, Judge Meier issued an order voiding the seal, making the filings publicly accessible. The defense plans to move for the couple’s release from jail, citing health concerns. A bail hearing is scheduled for early November, followed by a pre-trial hearing later that month.
Official Statements & Responses
The office indicated it is reviewing how health issues may have contributed to the tragedy.
Criticism & Opposition
First-Amendment specialist Matthew Cate criticized the original sealing order, stating “that’s not supposed to happen that way” and emphasizing the presumption of openness for criminal court records.
Data & Statistics
- Both defendants are 77 years old.
- The murder charge carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
- Prosecutors allege the couple purchased two firearms in March for self-protection.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police reports indicate Zhang admitted to shooting McKinsey, while other filings suggest Chen also possessed a firearm at arrest. Some sources state both grandparents fired; others describe Zhang as the sole shooter. The identity of the judge who initially sealed the records remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My client was absolutely concerned for her own life and also concerned for her grandchildren,” — Curtis Briggs
- “They are not cold-blooded killers. They didn’t premeditate anything,” — Curtis Briggs
- “That’s not supposed to happen that way,” — Matthew Cate
What’s Next
The defendants face upcoming bail and pre-trial hearings in November. The unsealed documents will allow media and the public to scrutinize the evidence, including the sealed affidavit material and the judge’s original justification for sealing.