A heartfelt message from a father to his son appeared on Facebook shortly before a New York Times executive was allegedly killed by his in-laws in California. Jonathan McKinsey, the executive, posted a smiling photo on September 7, which his father, William Finney II, commented on, expressing hopes for a family reunion.
William Finney II wrote, “Jon, hope everything is going well. Hope you can visit us when you have some free time. Mom and Dad love you so much and miss you. Hope everything goes well with you and Candice and the kids.”
The Tragic Incident
Less than three weeks later, McKinsey, aged 40, was shot dead in a Dublin sports park parking lot. Prosecutors allege McKinsey’s in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, executed a planned attack. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged them with murder, accusing them of “lying in wait” to ambush McKinsey.
Details of the Attack
Emergency calls reported gunfire before police arrived to find McKinsey with several gunshot wounds. Authorities arrested Shili Chen at Santa Rita Jail for suspicion of murder. Witnesses directed officers to a black Honda Civic leaving the scene. Police apprehended Chen, who was driving, and Zhang, seated in the passenger seat.
Three people recognized Chen and Zhang as the shooters. Surveillance footage allegedly captured them firing “in concert” at McKinsey. Police claim they disregarded public safety by shooting in a crowded area, with children nearby.
Admission of Guilt
Zhang admitted to shooting McKinsey during police questioning. Officers retrieved a second firearm Zhang allegedly used. McKinsey’s death followed a contentious divorce and custody battle involving his estranged wife, Candice Jang.
Jang had sole custody of their three children. The couple’s marital troubles included domestic violence allegations. Jang obtained a temporary restraining order in 2025. McKinsey then sought his own order shortly before hers expired.
Allegations and Legal Battles
McKinsey accused Jang of physical and emotional abuse. He also reported conflicts with his in-laws, claiming Chen used anti-LGBTQ slurs, and Zhang assaulted him after his surgery. McKinsey, a transgender man, said Jang forced him to consume a dead cockroach and hit him with a frying pan.
In her request for protection, Jang accused McKinsey of abuse. She expressed fear of retaliation and described sleeping with scissors for protection. Courts later charged McKinsey with misdemeanors related to child neglect. He denied the allegations, attributing actions to Jang’s manipulation.
Unresolved Legal Matters
Despite legal tensions, a judge permitted public visits between McKinsey and his children. Authorities executed a search warrant at Jang’s residence. Details of what was sought remain undisclosed.
Neither Zhang nor Chen’s legal representation status was confirmed at the time of reporting. Fox News reached out to McKinsey’s family but received no response.
Reporter Greg Wehner, from Fox News Digital, covers breaking U.S. news with a focus on crime, law enforcement, and major community issues.