Meet Ethan Nieneker: Austin man charged with capital murder after Target shooting
Ethan Nieneker charged following tragic Target parking lot shooting. Credit: KVUE
In a shocking and unprovoked act of violence on August 11, 2025, Austin residents were stunned when a man opened fire in a Target parking lot in North Austin. The shooting claimed the lives of three innocent people; a 24-year-old employee, a 65-year-old man, and his 4-year-old granddaughter. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, has been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree murder.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as officers arrived around 2:15 p.m., quickly discovering the victims. The attack began while the Target employee, Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, was collecting shopping carts; he was transported to the hospital and later died. Nearby, Adam Chow and his granddaughter were shot in their vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, Chow’s wife survived with minor injuries.
Rampage Continues Across Austin: Chaos, Carjackings, and Arrest
Following the initial shooting, Nieneker’s assault spiraled into a violent spree across the city. He carjacked the Chow family’s Toyota 4-Runner, then assaulted the driver of a water truck at a nearby construction site. The stolen vehicle crashed into multiple cars, and Nieneker attempted to break into a Waymo autonomous car and vandalized a residence by throwing a brick.
Approximately an hour after the attack, police found Nieneker walking naked, clutching a Bible, and claiming to be Jesus. He was subdued with a stun gun and arrested around 3:06 p.m.
READ ALSO
Target parking-lot, Fort Stewart base… recent deadly shootings in US and why this won’t stop soon
Troubled History: Mental Health, Criminal Record, and Gun Access
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the shooting as “an unprovoked and deliberate act of violence” in a space where people should feel safe. She acknowledged Nieneker’s history of mental health struggles and previous involuntary detentions, but no specific diagnosis has been confirmed.
Court and law enforcement records reveal a pattern of legal troubles dating back over a decade. Nieneker faced multiple arrests for domestic violence, assault, DWI, criminal mischief, vandalism, and protective order violations. In 2016, he was convicted of assault causing bodily injury in a family violence case; other charges, including a 2019 felony assault, were later dismissed.
Additionally, the firearm used in the shootings was reportedly obtained through a family member, raising concerns about access to weapons by individuals with violent histories. Chief Davis called for scrutiny of the mental health and legal systems that failed to prevent this tragedy.
Looking Ahead: Justice, Accountability, and Public Safety
Ethan Nieneker remains in the Travis County Jail, facing serious charges that include capital murder for the deaths of two victims and first-degree murder for the Target employee. Authorities are also reviewing evidence for possible charges related to vehicle thefts, assaults, and property damage.
As the Austin community grieves, investigators are examining how mental health red flags went unaddressed, how the weapon was obtained, and whether systemic failures contributed to the tragedy. Chief Davis emphasized the need for accountability and reform in response to what she called a “tragic failure” to protect vulnerable individuals and the broader public.
This unthinkable rampage, carried out in broad daylight amid back-to-school activity, leaves lingering questions, and a community seeking answers and justice.
