Accused killer grandma Shili Chen breaks silence in court after NYT executive’s death
ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Shili Chen, 77, spoke briefly in court on Wednesday, September 30, as she appeared alongside her husband for the first time since the fatal shooting of New York Times executive Jonathan McKinsey. Asked about legal representation, Chen told the court, “I do not have the financial means.”
Chen and her husband, Shouyong Zhang, 77, are facing felony murder charges in connection with McKinsey’s death. Both appeared behind glass during the hearing, but neither entered a plea, and both were denied bail.
Shili Chen says she cannot afford a private lawyer
Chen appeared in a green top and blue medical-style mask, while Zhang sat beside her in yellow jail clothing.
A male Mandarin interpreter translated Chen’s response when she was asked whether she wanted a public defender or a private lawyer.
“I do not have the financial means,” she told the court.
Zhang did not speak during the brief hearing and waived his formal arraignment. Public defender Jenny Otis represented him. Chen was expected to be appointed a public defender at a subsequent hearing scheduled for 9 am Thursday.
The couple’s appearance marked the first time they had been seen together in court since McKinsey was killed.
Their next hearing was set to take place in the same courtroom, where they were expected to enter pleas.
Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang face felony murder charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Chen and Zhang with felony murder on Wednesday.
Prosecutors also alleged that the pair used a firearm that caused McKinsey’s death and had “lied in wait” for him.
The charges were filed on September 30, which was also the couple’s shared 77th birthday.
According to court filings and witness accounts, Chen and Zhang allegedly took turns shooting McKinsey before leaving the scene in a Honda Civic. The allegations form part of the case against the couple as they face legal proceedings.
Prosecutors also alleged violence or bodily harm, use of a weapon, violent conduct, infliction of great bodily injury and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, among other firearm-related allegations.
ALERT: New York Times executive allegedly gunned down by his elderly Chinese in-laws who took turns shooting him in a parking lot in California. Jonathan McKinsey, the newspaper's head of engineering for games player experience, was shot by Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77 McKinsey was in the parking lot of the Dublin Sports Grounds when officers saw him being treated for the wounds, and a flood of 911 calls came in. Shouyong and Shili were reportedly taking turns unloading bullets into McKinsey before they were quickly arrested by a cop passing by. The couple is facing charges of first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, dangerously firing a gun, and child endangerment that could’ve caused major injury or death.
— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) September 28, 2026
Court filings detail the alleged shooting and attempted escape
Charging documents state that Chen and Zhang allegedly tried to flee after McKinsey was killed.
Witnesses helped police identify their vehicle and stop it, according to the filings.
Zhang later admitted to killing McKinsey during an interview with investigators, the documents state. Chen, meanwhile, invoked her Miranda rights.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the case is continuing.
Neither defendant entered a plea during Wednesday’s hearing, and both remained in custody after being denied bail.
The couple are expected to return to court for their next proceedings, with Chen also expected to receive a public defender.
