New York Times Games Executive Allegedly Shot Dead; 77-Year-Old In-Laws Charged With Murder

Jonathan McKinsey, 40, Head of Engineering for The New York Times Games, was found fatally shot in a Dublin, California parking lot on the afternoon of Sept. 26, authorities said. Local reporters and witnesses say McKinsey’s elderly in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, allegedly shot him in broad daylight; both have been arrested and charged with murder.

Details of the Shooting

According to local outlets KTVU and The Mercury News, which cited witness statements and police information, the couple — both 77 — allegedly took turns firing at McKinsey until he died. Dublin police said McKinsey was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported that the pair appeared calm as they walked away from the scene after the attack.

Background: Long-Running Family Disputes

Public court records and reporting describe a prolonged and acrimonious family dispute. McKinsey, who was transgender, filed a restraining-order petition in December alleging years of verbal and other abuse by members of his wife’s family. The petition alleges that his mother-in-law, Chen, used anti-LGBTQ slurs directed at him and at one of his children, and that McKinsey intervened to defend the child.

Jonathan McKinsey.Credit: Jonathan McKinsey/Facebook

In the year before the shooting, McKinsey faced criminal charges of child cruelty and corporal punishment; he pleaded not guilty in October. During that investigation, his wife alleged an incident in which a child sustained a large bruise reportedly shaped like a handprint. In December McKinsey filed for divorce and sought a restraining order, alleging ongoing mistreatment and saying he feared for the safety of his family.

Investigation Status

Zhang and Shili Chen have been arrested and charged with murder. As of the most recent reports, their court records were not available online and it was not immediately clear whether they had retained attorneys or entered pleas. McKinsey’s wife has not been charged in connection with the shooting. Dublin police have offered limited public comment as the investigation and legal process continue.

Professional Background

McKinsey joined The New York Times Games as Head of Engineering in January 2023, a company spokesperson previously confirmed.

Resources

If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. For suspected child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in multiple languages.