Austin, Texas, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Nieneker was arrested after a shooting spree in a Target parking lot in Austin, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including a child. The incident escalated when Nieneker targeted innocent bystanders and eventually hijacked a vehicle before being apprehended. Concerns over his mental health and firearm access have emerged as the investigation unfolds. Community members are urged to provide information related to the shooting as the city grapples with the tragedy.
Austin, Texas – Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on Monday after allegedly engaging in a shooting spree in a Target parking lot that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a child. The tragic event unfolded around 2:15 p.m. as one of the victims, Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a 24-year-old Target employee, was reportedly collecting shopping carts.
Authorities revealed that Nieneker used a family member’s handgun for the attack. His first target was Machuca, who was fatally shot as he worked. After this, Nieneker turned his attention to a vehicle occupied by Adam Chow, 66, and his four-year-old granddaughter Astrid, who were looking to escape the chaos. Nieneker fired upon the Jeep and then approached a gray Toyota 4-Runner, where he shot both Chow and Astrid. Emergency responders pronounced both of them dead at the scene. Chow’s wife also sustained injuries during the incident.
After the shootings, Nieneker stole the Chow family’s vehicle and fled the scene but crashed it into another car, a Volkswagen. He subsequently assaulted the female driver of that vehicle and hijacked her car. His erratic behavior continued until he was apprehended approximately 20 miles away, where officers used a Taser to subdue him.
Surveillance footage captured Nieneker wandering naked through a backyard and throwing a brick into a friend’s home prior to his arrest, highlighting his unstable state at the time. Authorities are now looking into how Nieneker obtained the firearm used in the shooting and whether he was under the influence of drugs, which may have contributed to his actions.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis indicated that Nieneker has a complex legal history involving previous arrests for assault, drug possession, and noteworthy mental health issues. There are growing concerns about the mental health system’s efficiency in managing individuals with such histories.
Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder, in addition to multiple other charges, including assault. He is currently being held at the Travis County Jail as the investigation continues. In response to the incident, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the shooting as “a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence.”
As the police investigation proceeds, they are urging community members with any information related to the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the full story behind this tragic event.
Victims of the Shooting
- Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24 – Target employee, fatally shot.
- Adam Chow, 66 – Occupant of the vehicle, shot dead.
- Astrid Chow, 4 – Granddaughter of Adam Chow, also shot dead.
- Chow’s wife – Injured in the incident.
Legal and Community Response
Nieneker’s prior arrest history and current charges highlight the ongoing issues surrounding gun violence and mental health in the community. As investigations continue, the focus will also lie on the support systems available to individuals facing mental health challenges.
What Happened Next
Following the shooting, a city-wide conversation on safety, mental health support, and gun regulations has emerged and is likely to continue as Austin community members seek to understand and respond to this horrific event.
FAQ Section
What triggered the shooting in Austin, Texas?
Ethan Nieneker, allegedly experiencing severe mental health issues, opened fire in a Target parking lot, randomly targeting bystanders.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims included Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow, and his four-year-old granddaughter Astrid. All were shot, and both Chow and Astrid died on the scene.
How did law enforcement respond to Nieneker’s actions?
After hijacking a vehicle and fleeing, Nieneker was apprehended 20 miles away from the scene. Officers used a Taser to subdue him.
What charges are being laid against Ethan Nieneker?
Nieneker faces two counts of capital murder among other charges, including assault. He is being held in custody at the Travis County Jail.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting occurred | Monday afternoon, around 2:15 p.m. |
| Location | Target parking lot, Austin, Texas |
| Victims | Three fatalities, including a child |
| Charges against Nieneker | Two counts of capital murder, multiple other charges |
| Nieneker’s status | In custody at Travis County Jail |
| Investigation focus | Firearm acquisition and mental health evaluation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Ethan Nieneker Shooting
- Wikipedia: 2025 Austin Shooting
- ABC News: Austin Target Shooting
- Google Search: Austin Target Shooting
- Fox 7 Austin: Police Identify Suspect in Target Shooting
- Google Scholar: Austin Target Shooting
- NBC News: Two Killed in Austin Target Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Target Shooting
- USA Today: Austin Target Shooting Investigation
- 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.
