One month after her arrest alongside her husband in connection with the alleged murder of their transgender son-in-law, a New York Times executive, Shili Chen has reportedly asserted in new legal documents that her husband bears responsibility for the crime.
Shili Chen, 77, and Shouyong Zhang were taken into custody on September 26, accused of fatally shooting 40-year-old Jonathan McKinsey in a public park located in Dublin, California.
According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, a new bail application filed by Chen's attorneys states that the 77-year-old witnessed her husband discharge the fatal rounds at McKinsey from within her vehicle at the Dublin Sports Grounds.
Her legal representative, Curtis Briggs, contended that Chen only exited the car "to protect her husband from what she feared was an assault by Mr. McKinsey," as reported by the California Post.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows Chen firing a weapon at McKinsey subsequent to Zhang having fired the shots that proved fatal.
Chen's lawyers maintain that she was kept "in the dark" regarding Zhang's alleged plan to murder McKinsey.
Zhang reportedly informed law enforcement that he requested his wife drive to the park but did not provide a reason for the trip, according to the Chronicle.
Prosecutors have accused the couple of "lying in wait" for McKinsey at the park before the shooting, an assertion Chen's lawyer disputes, claiming insufficient evidence to support it.
This particular special circumstance allegation has been cited as grounds for holding both Chen and Zhang without bail.
The Shooting Incident and Arrest
Both Chen and Zhang are currently seeking pretrial release from custody.
In a separate legal submission, Zhang's public defender argued that his client does not pose a flight risk or danger to the community, citing his advanced age and health, and characterizing the shooting as an isolated family incident.
Chen's legal team argues that she cannot be considered the "actual killer" because she reportedly fired at McKinsey after he had already succumbed to the initial gunshots.
Multiple 911 callers reported gunfire emanating from the Dublin Sports Grounds. A Dublin Police Services sergeant arrived on the scene to find McKinsey lying face up with several gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the location.
Witnesses directed police attention to a black Honda Civic departing the parking lot, which led officers to conduct a high-risk traffic stop nearby, as detailed in the court filings.
Chen was identified as the driver and was allegedly in possession of a firearm when she was apprehended, while Zhang was seated in the passenger seat.
Three witnesses reportedly identified Chen and Zhang as the individuals who fired weapons, and surveillance video allegedly captured the couple opening fire "in concert" on McKinsey.
Police have stated that the couple commenced shooting in a crowded park's parking lot, demonstrating a "blatant disregard for public safety," even though several children were in close proximity.
A subsequent search of the Honda vehicle led to the recovery of a second firearm, which Zhang allegedly admitted to using during the shooting.
The criminal complaint alleges that the killing involved "great violence" and actions exhibiting a "high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness." Furthermore, prosecutors assert that both defendants were armed or utilized a weapon during the commission of the homicide.
Underlying Family Conflict
McKinsey's death occurred amidst a contentious divorce and custody dispute with Candice Jang, the daughter of Chen and Zhang.
McKinsey had previously accused Chen of directing anti-LGBTQ slurs towards him and one of his children. He also alleged that Zhang struck him in the chest while he was recuperating from double mastectomy surgery, according to The Mercury News. In turn, Jang made counter-allegations of domestic violence and child abuse against McKinsey, which he disputed.
Jang sought a domestic violence restraining order against McKinsey in October 2025, with McKinsey filing his own request two months later. The competing domestic violence matters were scheduled for a three-day hearing in December.
