Summary: Patrick Lin, 37, of Hillsborough, N.J., was charged Jan. 28 with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and weapons offenses after his parents, David and Jean Lin, 69, were found bludgeoned to death at their home in September 2025. Officers say they encountered an armed adult in the house and fired, hospitalizing the suspect. An affidavit alleges a notebook recovered from the suspect's bedroom contained a handwritten "wishlist" with an entry reading, "to kill someone and get away with it." The accused was served with charges while hospitalized and will be jailed after discharge pending further proceedings.
Son Charged After Parents Found Bludgeoned; Police Say Notebook Contained Chilling 'Wishlist'
David Lin; Patrick Lin mugshotGo Fund Me; Somerset County Prosecutor's Office
A 37-year-old Hillsborough, New Jersey, man was arrested and formally charged in connection with the September 2025 bludgeoning deaths of his parents, authorities said.
Charges and Allegations. Patrick Lin was charged on Wednesday, Jan. 28, with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder and two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office said. Prosecutors allege the victims, David and Jean Lin, both 69, were struck in the head with a blunt instrument.
Scene and Police Response. Hillsborough Township officers responded to the family's home on the afternoon of Sept. 25, 2025 after a welfare check was requested. Police said no one answered the door during an initial visit; roughly two hours later, officers were able to enter the residence. While checking the second floor they encountered an armed adult male later identified as Patrick Lin. Officers discharged their service weapons; Lin was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and has been recovering since the shooting.
Victims and Community Impact. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene in separate second-floor bedrooms. David Lin was a prominent leader in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community — in 2012 he became the first person of Chinese ancestry to serve as president of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) — and was also active with OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. Family members and local advocates have noted his longtime civic involvement.
Evidence Reported by Authorities. An affidavit of probable cause obtained by NJ Patch says investigators recovered a notebook from the suspect's bedroom containing a handwritten "wishlist." The affidavit alleges the second item read: "to kill someone and get away with it." These statements are part of the prosecutor's allegation and have not been proven in court.
Legal Status and Next Steps. While hospitalized, Lin was served with the criminal complaint. Prosecutors say he is in stable condition and remains under guard by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office; he will be held at the Somerset County Jail after discharge pending further court proceedings. It was not immediately clear whether he has retained legal counsel who can speak on his behalf.
Community Response. A GoFundMe page has been created to establish the David Lin Memorial JACL and OCA Leadership Fund. Local organizations and community members have expressed shock and grief following the deaths.
Note: All allegations described here are from law enforcement and court documents; the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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