The estranged wife of slain New York Times tech executive Jonathan McKinsey, Candice Jang, was seen walking with their three children, aged 3, 5, and 7, on Wednesday. This sighting occurred just hours after her parents, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, were charged with murder in connection with McKinsey's death.
McKinsey had moved out of the family home several months prior as he and Jang were engaged in a custody battle during their divorce proceedings, which began when McKinsey filed for divorce last year after their marriage in 2011.
On Wednesday, Zhang and Chen, both 77, appeared in a Dublin, California courtroom for their arraignment on multiple felony charges, including murder with a special circumstance of 'lying in wait.' During the hearing, Chen, wearing a green top and blue medical mask, communicated through a Mandarin interpreter, stating that she did not have the financial means for a private attorney. Zhang waived his formal arraignment and was represented by a public defender. No pleas were entered, and neither defendant was granted bail.
The couple is scheduled to return to court on Thursday for plea proceedings, where Chen is expected to be appointed a public defender.
Authorities allege that Zhang and Chen took turns shooting McKinsey in a parking lot on Saturday before fleeing the scene in a Honda Civic. Witnesses aided police in quickly apprehending the suspects.
The motive for the alleged murder remains unclear, but the family had a troubled history. McKinsey was previously charged with misdemeanor child abuse after an incident involving their six-year-old son, but he was released on the condition of attending parenting classes. McKinsey has also accused Jang of physical abuse in the past.
In 2023, Chen reportedly berated the couple's son for wearing dresses, using derogatory language, and allegedly struck the child. Chen also directed similar insults toward McKinsey, who is transgender and transitioned from female to male in 2010, according to court documents.