# Alameda Judge Seals McKinsey Murder Case Files

> California judge secretly seals all court records in New York Times exec Jonathan McKinsey's murder case, hiding judge's identity.
- Title: Alameda Judge Seals McKinsey Murder Case Files | Shortify
- Summary: California judge secretly seals all court records in New York Times exec Jonathan McKinsey's murder case, hiding judge's identity. A California judge sealed…
- Keywords: alameda county, shouyong zhang, shili chen, jonathan mcinsey, new york times, murder case, first amendment, transgender, child custody dispute, sealing court records, news, entertainment
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/18/us-news/alameda-judge-seals-every-file-related-to-new-york-times-exec-jonathan-mckinseys-killing
- Published: 2026-10-18T23:21:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: alameda county, shouyong zhang, shili chen, jonathan mcinsey, new york times, murder case, first amendment, transgender, child custody dispute, sealing court records, news, entertainment
## Judge Seals Murder Case Files
A California judge secretly sealed every court record in the murder case against Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen.
## Jonathan McKinsey's Killing
Jonathan McKinsey, 40, a New York Times gaming executive, was shot dead in broad daylight at the Dublin Sports Grounds on Sept. 26.
## Alleged Murder Plot
The couple allegedly plotted the attack amid a bitter divorce and child custody dispute involving their daughter, Candice Jang, and McKinsey.
## First Amendment Concerns
First Amendment experts say the decision violates laws guaranteeing public access to court proceedings.
## Judge's Identity Hidden
The judge who ordered the records sealed was not publicly identified, raising conflict of interest concerns.
## Suspects in Jail
Zhang and Chen remain jailed without bail and face potential life sentences without parole.
## Key takeaway

A California judge sealed every court file in the murder case against Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, who allegedly killed New York Times gaming executive Jonathan McKinsey.