Jonathan McKinsey, 40, was found with multiple gunshot wounds (Source: Facebook)
Police arrested his in-laws, Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, near the scene and booked them into Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of murder and other charges. His death therefore came against the backdrop of an increasingly bitter dispute over their children, allegations of domestic and child abuse, and McKinsey’s claims of anti-LGBTQ+ hostility within the family. Witnesses had alerted police after seeing the shooting, and the couple remained in the area when officers arrived. Police have not publicly established a motive. The couple’s legal battle was still active when McKinsey was killed, with a court hearing scheduled shortly afterward.
Transgender identity at centre of family dispute
In a petition seeking a domestic violence protection order, McKinsey alleged that his mother-in-law, Chen, had directed anti-LGBTQ+ slurs at him and one of their children, according to court records cited by The Mercury News and AP. He was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and was out on bail while seeking entry into a mental-health diversion programme, according to AP. McKinsey was transgender, and court filings show that his gender identity became part of the wider conflict with his wife and her family. The allegations were part of a much broader legal battle between McKinsey and his wife, Candice Jang. They had three young children and were involved in divorce and custody proceedings when he was killed. Jang had sought a domestic violence protection order against McKinsey, while McKinsey later sought one against her and filed for divorce. Court records show that Jang had accused McKinsey of physically disciplining their children. He had been limited to supervised visits with his children and was seeking greater access to them.