Folah,

You are attempting to defend the truth and accuracy of the text of Matthew by assuming its truth and accuracy.

(1) Not only is there no mention in the Tanach that Zechariah ben Berechiah ben Iddo was killed in the Temple, there is evidence that the Jews of his time held him in very high regard.

If you read Ezra, especially chapters five and six, you will see that the Jews followed the instructions of Zechariah and Haggai as their prophets and leaders.

Why would they have murdered Zechariah and not Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Malachi, and Mordechai? Why was there no mention in the numerous books written at that time concerning such a horrendous act? Most likely, because it never happened.

(2) Chronicles only says that the earlier Zechariah was killed in the "courtyard." It does not state which courtyard. It is just as likely that he was killed in the inner courtyard which included the area between the altar and the sanctuary.