Austin, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old man, has been arrested after a shooting in a Target parking lot resulted in three deaths, including a child. Authorities reported that Nieneker displayed erratic behavior, claiming he was Jesus during his arrest. He faces multiple charges including capital murder and has been ordered for a mental health evaluation. The incident raises concerns over mental health support and gun violence in Austin, marking a tragic event in the city’s recent history.
Austin Man Arrested for Shooting Three People, Including Child, in Target Parking Lot During Random Attack
Austin police have arrested Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old man, accused of shooting three individuals, including a young child, in a Target parking lot in North Austin on Monday. The violent incident resulted in three tragic deaths, contributing to a grim tally of homicides in the city.
Authorities arrested Nieneker at approximately 3:06 p.m. on La Casa Drive in South Austin. When found, he was reported to be walking naked and holding a Bible. He faces multiple charges, including capital murder for the terror threat he posed, as well as capital murder of a person under the age of 10 and first-degree murder. His total bond has been set at $2.5 million, and a mental evaluation has been ordered for him.
The violent spree began around 2:15 p.m. as Nieneker shot Rosa Machuca, a 24-year-old Target employee, in the parking lot. She was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a hospital. The second and third victims, Adam Chow, 65, and his 4-year-old granddaughter, were attacked while sitting in their vehicle. Chow died at 2:39 p.m., followed by the girl at 2:50 p.m. Chow’s wife survived the ordeal with minor injuries.
As chaos ensued, Nieneker attempted to flee the scene using Chow’s vehicle and crashed into another car. Following the collision, he assaulted the driver of the other vehicle in an attempt to steal her car. After engaging in another violent episode, where he assaulted a water truck driver, Nieneker managed to elude authorities for a brief period before being apprehended by police using a Taser.
During questioning, Nieneker allegedly confessed to killing those victims at random, claiming he was Jesus and suggesting a disconnect from reality. Although he has a history of mental health issues, he denied any formal diagnosis or substance use leading up to the attacks. The police chief pointed out existing “serious system failures” regarding Nieneker’s mental health that may have contributed to his ability to commit such violence.
This tragic event marks a dark chapter in the city of Austin as these shootings become the 39th, 40th, and 41st homicides reported in 2025. Austin Mayor expressed deep condolences for the victims and condemned the act as a “sickening, cowardly act of gun violence.” The Austin Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shootings to come forward and assist in their investigation.
Background Information
Incidents of gun violence have become a growing concern in urban areas, and this shooting further highlights the pressing issues surrounding mental health support and gun control measures. The police chief’s remarks about systemic failures underline the challenges of addressing mental health adequately, especially regarding individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others.
Conclusion
Nieneker’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in Austin’s recent history of violence, raising critical questions about community safety and mental health intervention strategies. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Ethan Nieneker facing?
Ethan Nieneker is facing charges including capital murder for terror threat, capital murder of a person under the age of 10, and first-degree murder.
What happened during the shootings?
The shootings occurred in a Target parking lot in North Austin, where Nieneker attacked multiple individuals randomly, resulting in three deaths, including that of a 4-year-old girl.
What has the community’s response been?
The community has expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident, with local leaders emphasizing the need for better mental health support and gun control measures.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Ethan Nieneker, 32 years old |
| Number of Victims | Three (including a child) |
| Location | Target Parking Lot, North Austin |
| Arrest Time | 3:06 p.m. on La Casa Drive |
| Bail Amount | $2.5 million |
| Charges | Capital murder, first-degree murder, and more |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Austin Police Identify Suspect in Target Shooting
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North Austin Target Shooting Leaves Three Dead
Austin Man Identified as Shooter in Target Parking Lot Attack
Gunman Kills Three in Shooting Outside Target in Austin
Gunman Kills Officer in CDC Headquarters Shooting
Shooting Outside Target Store in Austin Leaves Three Dead
Three People Killed in Target Parking Lot Shooting in North Austin
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Ethan Nieneker
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Ethan Nieneker
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: Ethan Nieneker
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ethan Nieneker
- Associated Press
- Google News: Ethan Nieneker
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