Elderly In-Laws Plead Not Guilty in Killing of NYT Executive at Dublin Park

Key points

• Chen and Zhang pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with the special circumstance of lying in wait on October 19, 2026.
• The shooting occurred at the Dublin Sports Grounds on September 26, with witnesses reporting multiple 911 calls from terrified bystanders, many of whom had children.
• Defense attorney Curtis Briggs claims the couple purchased firearms in March for self-protection after McKinsey threatened Chen’s life three times, including via a hitman.
• Alameda County prosecutors allege the couple watched and waited in the parking lot to attack McKinsey, who was there for a supervised visit with his children.
• Judge Diane Meier unsealed the case after an attorney for The New Yorker argued the records were presumptively public, voiding a previous sealing order by an unnamed judge.
• McKinsey was out on $50,000 bail for child endangerment charges and was scheduled to appear in court the same week he was killed.

Background

The case stems from a nearly decade-long marriage between Jonathan McKinsey and Candice Jang, which ended in a contentious divorce and custody battle. Court documents reveal both parties filed restraining orders alleging physical and mental abuse. McKinsey, who worked as an executive for the New York Times gaming branch, had a pending child abuse case that limited him to supervised visits. The shooting occurred in a crowded public space, drawing national attention due to the victim’s prominent media role and the unusual circumstances of the alleged crime.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and NBC Bay Area emphasize the defense’s claim that the couple acted out of fear for their grandchildren’s safety and that McKinsey had threatened them with a hitman. The Mercury News highlights the legal battle over sealed records, noting that The New Yorker’s intervention forced the unsealing of court documents, which revealed the couple’s use of two firearms and the presence of children at the scene. While all sources agree on the basic facts of the plea and the shooting, The Mercury News provides additional detail on the public defender’s concern for Zhang’s health and age, whereas NBC focuses more on the prosecution’s 'lying in wait' charge.

Why it matters

The case highlights the intersection of high-profile media figures, domestic violence, and public safety in crowded spaces. The unsealing of the case after a legal challenge by The New Yorker underscores the importance of transparency in criminal proceedings, especially when prominent individuals are involved. The outcome will also have implications for how courts handle sealed records in cases involving public interest and potential threats to life.

What to watch

A bail hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2026, followed by a pretrial hearing on November 23. Defense attorneys have indicated they will soon move for the release of Chen and Zhang from jail, citing health concerns and the lack of premeditation. The case will likely proceed to trial if bail is denied or if the prosecution moves forward with its charges.