Shili Chen plans to plead not guilty to murder in the killing of her son-in-law, the Dublin woman’s attorney said Thursday. Chen and husband Shouyong Zhang, both 77, briefly appeared in court.
The couple asked for more time before entering formal pleas, leaving Chen’s proposed not guilty plea outstanding. Authorities allege both shot Jonathan McKinsey to death Saturday at a public park in Dublin.
The planned defense will focus on abuse allegedly perpetrated by McKinsey, attorney Curtis Briggs said. NBC Bay Area’s report described the court appearance and competing allegations recorded during the family’s divorce proceedings.
Not Guilty Plea Remains Planned
Briggs was appointed to represent Chen on Thursday and outlined the planned not guilty plea. The attorney said court documents raised concerns about McKinsey’s temper and conduct toward the family.
“Court documents show Mr. McKinsey was extremely violent and dangerous to his family,” Briggs said. That statement describes the defense attorney’s position, rather than a finding resolving the murder charges.
Public defender Jennie Otis, representing Zhang, requested a medical evaluation without specifying the reason. Otis declined to comment, and both defendants required Mandarin interpreters.
The couple were charged with murder Wednesday. McKinsey, a 40-year-old gaming engineer for The New York Times, was killed in a sports complex parking lot.
Police And Prosecutors Describe Shooting Evidence
Dublin Police Services said a nearby sergeant saw McKinsey on the ground. Witnesses called 911 and pointed out the couple, who remained nearby in their vehicle.
Police detained the couple as they drove away in the parking lot. Officers found a gun in Chen’s possession, according to the report.
Prosecutors said Zhang later admitted shooting McKinsey, and another firearm was found in the car. Prosecutors also said recovered surveillance video showed both defendants shooting the victim.
The case involves a criminal prosecution. Readers following separate civil proceedings can find related legal coverage of a family’s contamination lawsuit.
Family Court Records Contain Competing Allegations
The killing preceded a scheduled divorce and custody hearing involving McKinsey and wife Candice Jang. Their dispute concerned the couple’s three young children.
In restraining-order petitions filed last year, both accused the other of abuse extending back more than a decade. McKinsey, who is transgender, alleged abuse by Jang and her parents concerning a gender transition years earlier.
McKinsey was arrested last October and faced misdemeanor child-abuse charges for allegedly hitting their oldest son. Police said McKinsey acknowledged slapping the child.
Prosecutors also charged McKinsey with endangering their youngest child after deputies found their 2-year-old home alone. McKinsey pleaded not guilty and alleged Jang left without mentioning the child was upstairs.
McKinsey was released on condition of completing 12 parenting classes. At the time of the killing, McKinsey was on bail and seeking mental health diversion.
Jang obtained a domestic violence protection order in October and alleged physical and emotional abuse. Allegations and legal outcomes also feature in separate coverage of a pregnancy-death lawsuit and a hospital abuse settlement.
The Associated Press reported it could not reach Jang for comment. Chen’s attorney said the defense intends a not guilty plea, while formal pleas remain outstanding.
Frequently asked questions
Has Shili Chen formally entered a plea to the murder charge?
No formal plea was entered at the reported appearance. Her attorney said she plans to plead not guilty.
Who else faces charges in the Dublin parking lot killing?
Chen’s husband, Shouyong Zhang, is also charged with murder. Both defendants are 77 and required Mandarin interpreters.
What evidence did prosecutors describe in the case?
Prosecutors said Zhang admitted shooting McKinsey and described another firearm and surveillance video allegedly showing both defendants shooting.
What does Chen’s attorney say will inform the defense?
Attorney Curtis Briggs said the defense would focus on abuse allegedly perpetrated by McKinsey, based on court documents he reviewed.
