Shili Chen and Shouyong Zhang are accused of shooting Jonathan McKinsey, 40, on Sept. 26. McKinsey was at the complex for a supervised visit with his children, whom he shared with his estranged wife, Candice Jang, according to Chen’s attorney, Curtis Briggs.

Briggs said Chen did not plan the killing, arguing that she and Zhang believed something they saw raised concerns for their grandchildren’s safety and compelled them to act. He did not provide further details. Briggs also alleged McKinsey had threatened Chen at least three times, including once by threatening to hire a hitman.

McKinsey, who worked as a gaming engineer for The New York Times, and Jang were involved in a contentious divorce and custody dispute. Both had accused the other of physical and emotional abuse, according to the report.

Investigators said Chen had a firearm when she was arrested and that a second gun was found in the couple’s car. Briggs said the couple bought the weapons in March for protection from McKinsey.

The charges and allegations have not been proven in court. A bail hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4, followed by a pretrial hearing on Nov. 23.