A 37-year-old man from Hillsborough, New Jersey, has been charged in the deaths of his parents after authorities say they were fatally attacked inside their home.
Patrick Lin was arrested and charged on Wednesday, Jan. 28, with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, and two counts of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to a statement from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors allege Lin struck his parents — David Lin and Jean Lin, both 69 — in the head with a blunt object.
David Lin was a prominent leader in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. In 2012, he became the first person of Chinese ancestry to serve as president of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). He was also known for his work with OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates.
Police were called to the family’s home on the afternoon of Sept. 25, 2025, after Hillsborough Township officers were asked to conduct a welfare check on the occupants, the prosecutor’s office said.
No one answered the door during an initial visit, authorities said. About two hours later, officers were able to enter the residence.
While checking the second floor, officers encountered an adult male — later identified as Lin — who was allegedly wielding a weapon, according to the statement. Police then opened fire with their service weapons, and Lin was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
Authorities said they later found two deceased victims in separate bedrooms on the second floor. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators also allegedly found a notebook inside Lin’s bedroom containing a “wishlist,” according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by NJ Patch. The second entry on the list was “to kill someone and get away with it,” the affidavit alleges.
Lin was served with the criminal complaint in the hospital, where he has been recovering since the September shooting, the prosecutor’s office said. Officials said he is now in stable condition and is being guarded by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.
Once discharged, Lin will be held at the Somerset County Jail pending his next court appearance. It was not immediately clear whether he has retained an attorney.
A GoFundMe has been started to set up the David Lin Memorial JACL and OCA Leadership Fund.
