A New York Times engineer was shot dead in a park in Dublin, California. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
A police officer found Jonathan McKinsey, 40, lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds in a park in Dublin, California, a small city about 35 miles (56.3km) east of San Francisco. Around the time the officer discovered him, 911 calls began pouring in from witnesses reporting the shooting.
McKinsey was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a press release from the city of Dublin on Sunday.
He had been the head of engineering for the New York Times’s games department for nearly four years, according to his LinkedIn page.
Witnesses told police that the suspected shooters, identified as Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, were still in the area. The pair, identified by police as McKinsey’s in-laws, were arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the shooting.
Witnesses also told CBS News that the suspects were both wearing masks, and each took a turn shooting the victim.
An arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Police have not indicated a motive for the shooting.
Court records cited in local media reports show McKinsey and his wife had been engaged in a legal battle over child custody and allegations of domestic and child abuse.
The city of Dublin has had one homicide per year between 2023 and 2025, while the number of reported domestic violence incidents increased from 121 in 2024 to 131 in 2025, according to the city’s crime data.
The incident shocked the local community, as the crime occurred openly in daylight in a park in a residential area. Police continue to investigate and are trying to establish the circumstances of the incident. The trial of the suspects is expected to begin on Wednesday, but the charges have not yet been officially confirmed.
McKinsey’s work at the New York Times was an important stage in his professional career. Leading engineering work in the games department demonstrated his technical qualifications and managerial abilities. His death caused deep sorrow among the publication’s employees and colleagues.
Witness testimony gathered at the scene provided important information to the investigation. They confirmed that the suspects were wearing masks and acted alternately during the shooting. These data became the basis for the police’s preliminary conclusions in the case.
Crime statistics for the city of Dublin show an increase in domestic violence incidents in recent years. While 121 incidents were registered in 2024, this number reached 131 in 2025. This indicator points to the need to pay attention to social problems in the city.
During the investigation, police are trying to establish the motives of the suspects. However, the reasons have not yet been officially disclosed. The start of the trial on Wednesday will determine the further development of the case.
This incident demonstrates how serious the consequences of family conflicts can be. Law enforcement agencies urge citizens to observe safety measures and resolve family disputes through legal means.