Defense lawyer for slain NYT exec’s in-laws cites victim’s alleged abuse history

Key points

• McKinsey was shot in the parking lot of Dublin Sports Grounds on September 26, 2026.
• Suspects Zhang and Chen are held at Santa Rita Jail without bail.
• Defense attorney Curtis Briggs alleged McKinsey fractured his wife's spine and abused their children.
• Prosecutors describe the killing as a 'cold-blooded ambush' involving 'lying in wait.'
• McKinsey and Jang were in the middle of a custody and divorce battle.
• McKinsey had been charged with two misdemeanors for child abuse prior to his death.

Background

This incident follows a year-long legal battle between McKinsey and Jang over child custody and domestic violence. McKinsey, who worked at The New York Times since 2023, had been attempting to enter a mental health diversion program to dismiss his child abuse charges. The family had three children, and the dispute involved competing allegations of physical and verbal abuse from both parties.

How outlets are covering it

The California Post and The Mercury News highlight the defense attorney's claims that McKinsey was violent and abusive, contrasting this with the prosecutors' view of a deliberate ambush. The Mercury News details the specific allegations of abuse, including a handprint bruise on a child's face and a fractured spine, while NBC News focuses on the immediate police response and the ongoing custody battle. The California Post notes that a family member suspects the in-laws acted to secure sole custody for Jang, a claim the defense lawyer dismissed as speculation.

Why it matters

The case highlights the intersection of domestic violence, child custody, and fatal violence, raising questions about the motivations behind the shooting and the credibility of competing abuse allegations. It also underscores the complexities of legal proceedings involving high-profile victims and the role of defense strategies in such cases.

What to watch

Zhang and Chen are expected to enter a not guilty plea. The defense may pursue a 'blaming the victim' strategy based on court documents. McKinsey's wife, Candice Jang, has not publicly commented on the shooting, and the custody dispute remains unresolved.