Austin, Texas, August 13, 2025
News Summary
A shooter opened fire outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, leading to the tragic deaths of three people, including a 24-year-old employee and a young girl. The 32-year-old assailant, Ethan Nieneker, has been charged with capital murder. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over gun violence and mental health in the community, prompting officials to call for discussions on safety and prevention measures.
Austin, Texas – Gunman Kills Three in Random Shooting Outside Target Store
On August 11, 2025, a shocking shooting incident outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, resulted in the deaths of three individuals: a 24-year-old employee, Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a 65-year-old man named Adam Chow, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter. The incident unfolded in a seemingly random act of violence that has left the community reeling and mourning the tragic loss of life.
The shooter, identified as Ethan Nieneker, 32, began his assault by fatally shooting Machuca while the victim was collecting shopping carts at the store. Following this, Nieneker shot Chow as he sat in his vehicle and then turned the gun on Chow’s granddaughter, who was seated in the backseat of the car. Chow’s wife, who was also in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries.
Nieneker has since been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder. He has a history of arrests involving domestic violence, assault, and other offenses, alongside reported serious mental health issues. However, no specific mental health diagnosis has been disclosed, raising concerns about how his mental health may have contributed to the violent act.
The firearm used in the shooting was reportedly obtained through family connections. In the immediate aftermath, Nieneker engaged in a chaotic spree that included multiple carjackings, crashes, and acts of vandalism. His actions included attempting to steal a water truck and wrecking Chow’s vehicle before carjacking a Volkswagen and attempting to break into a self-driving Waymo vehicle. During this time, police received numerous 911 calls tracking his erratic movements.
Witnesses observed a troubling scene as Nieneker, ultimately stripped of his clothes, was found walking naked, holding a Bible, and claiming to be Jesus. He was arrested after officers subdued him following his refusal to comply with commands.
The Austin Police Department characterized the incident as an unprovoked and deliberate act of violence. Local officials, including the Austin Police Chief, expressed their dismay over the senseless tragedy that occurred during a busy time for back-to-school shopping. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the violence, describing it as a “sickening, cowardly act.”
In response to the incident, the Target corporation expressed its devastation over the violence at one of their stores and confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement for the ongoing investigation. The loss of life due to this incident has prompted discussions around community safety and the impact of mental health on violent behaviors.
Background Context
This incident is indicative of ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in the United States. Gun-related violence has become a pressing issue, drawing attention to the mental health aspects associated with perpetrators and the availability of firearms. As communities grapple with these challenges, the tragedy in Austin serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for comprehensive reforms in both gun control measures and mental health support systems.
FAQ
What happened during the shooting at the Target store?
On August 11, 2025, Ethan Nieneker shot and killed three individuals, including a Target employee and a young girl, outside a Target store in Austin, Texas.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims included Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter.
What charges have been filed against the shooter?
Ethan Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder.
What was the background of the shooter?
Nieneker, 32, has a history of arrests for domestic violence and assault. He also reportedly has serious mental health issues, but no specific diagnosis has been provided.
What occurred after the shooting?
Following the shooting, Nieneker engaged in a chaotic spree that involved carjackings and vandalism before he was arrested by police.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting Date | August 11, 2025 |
| Location | Target store, Austin, Texas |
| Victims | Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow, Chow’s granddaughter |
| Shooter | Ethan Nieneker (32 years old) |
| Charges | Two counts of capital murder, One count of first-degree felony murder |
| Context | Concerns about gun violence and mental health |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Austin Target Shooting
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- NY Times: Austin Shooting
- Google Search: Austin Target Shooting
- AP News: Austin Target Shooting
- Google Scholar: Austin Target Shooting
- The Guardian: Austin Target Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Shooting
- Statesman: Target Shooting Austin
- Google News: Austin Target Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
