A deadly shooting at a North Austin Target left three people dead, including a child, and one injured. Ethan Nieneker, the 32-year-old suspect, launched a citywide rampage before his arrest. The investigation continues.
Austin Target Shooting Tragedy: Three Killed in Violent Rampage by Ethan Nieneker
A routine afternoon at a North Austin Target turned into a nightmare on Monday, August 11, when a man opened fire in the parking lot, killing three people and injuring one. The suspect, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, embarked on a chaotic spree across the city, leading to his eventual arrest after several confrontations with drivers and pedestrians.
The Attack: Tragic Losses and a Citywide Rampage
The violence began around 2:15 p.m. outside the Target on Research Boulevard when Nieneker shot Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a 24-year-old Target employee, as he collected shopping carts. Nieneker then approached a black Jeep Cherokee, firing at the driver before moving on to a Toyota 4Runner. Inside the 4Runner were Adam Chow, 65, his wife Doris Chow, and their 4-year-old granddaughter, Astrid Fung.
Nieneker shot and killed Adam Chow and Astrid Fung, leaving Doris Chow injured but able to pull her granddaughter from the vehicle. Despite her efforts, Astrid and Adam were pronounced dead at the scene. Nieneker then sped away in the 4Runner.
A Chaotic Citywide Rampage
Following the killings, Nieneker continued his rampage across Austin, crashing into multiple vehicles, assaulting drivers, and attempting carjackings. At 2:20 p.m., he allegedly forced a construction worker out of a water truck on the Mopac Expressway before abandoning the truck and stealing the construction worker’s SUV.
The violence didn’t stop there. Nieneker collided with a Volkswagen and an Infiniti SUV, assaulted the female driver of the Volkswagen, and stole her car. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as Nieneker continued to wreak havoc on the streets.
One witness, Chris Ferran, said he chased Nieneker after seeing the car crashes and assaults, calling 911 and taking action to protect his daughters. “I threw the phone down and reversed to get my daughters out of there,” Ferran recalled.
Final Confrontation and Arrest
Nieneker’s spree continued with property damage and failed break-ins. He allegedly threw a brick through the window of a Bible study acquaintance’s home before police finally apprehended him at 3:06 p.m. on Montclaire Street. Nieneker was found walking naked in a residential area, and after ignoring police commands, he was subdued with a Taser.
Police Chief Lisa Davis described the shootings as an “unprovoked and deliberate attack” on innocent lives in broad daylight. Authorities are still investigating Nieneker’s motives, with the suspect claiming only that he was Jesus and offering no clear explanation for his actions.
The Victims: Loved Ones Grieve
The victims’ families have expressed their heartbreak following the tragedy. The Chow family described Adam as the “heart and steady backbone” of their lives and remembered Astrid as the embodiment of “pure silliness and joy.” They shared their profound sorrow, saying, “We are broken and miss them both so much.”
Target employees and members of the local community also mourned the loss of Hector Machuca, remembering him as dedicated, kind-hearted, and a valued part of the Target team.
A Long Criminal History
Nieneker, who worked at a local restaurant and lived alone, had a long history of criminal behavior, including domestic violence, assault, driving offenses, and drug charges. While several charges had been dismissed over the years, others led to brief jail sentences.
The investigation into Nieneker’s actions and the reasons behind his violent rampage is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover what led to the tragic events.
Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and the entire Austin community during this difficult time.
