Woman to Plead Not Guilty in Son-in-Law’s Killing at California Park

Attorney says woman will plead not guilty in killing of son-in-law at California park. Abuse allegations and court details emerge.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Dublin, United States — A Northern California woman, Shili Chen, is set to enter a not guilty plea in the fatal shooting of her son-in-law at a public park, according to her attorney. The incident occurred amid a contentious divorce and custody battle.

Chen, 77, and her husband Shouyong Zhang, also 77, were charged with murder after allegedly shooting their son-in-law, Jonathan McKinsey, in a Dublin parking lot. The couple requested more time before entering formal pleas in court, where they required Mandarin interpreters. McKinsey, a 40-year-old gaming engineer, was killed days before a hearing in a bitter divorce and custody case involving their daughter and three children.

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Curtis Briggs, Chen’s court-appointed attorney, said court documents suggest McKinsey was violent and dangerous to his family. The case has revealed allegations of abuse from both sides, including claims that McKinsey, who is transgender, faced verbal and physical abuse from his wife and her parents. McKinsey had previously been arrested for child abuse and was out on bail at the time of his death.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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