Austin, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Police Department has named 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker as the suspect in a shooting outside a Target store that tragically claimed the lives of three individuals, including a young child. Witnesses described the chaotic scene as Nieneker allegedly targeted victims at random before fleeing and later being apprehended by police. This incident has raised concerns over mental health awareness and gun violence in the community.
Austin – The Austin Police Department (APD) has named 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker as the suspect in a shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a young child, outside a Target store in North Austin. The tragic event occurred on August 11, 2025, at approximately 2:15 PM in the parking lot of the store located at 8601 Research Boulevard.
During the incident, the shooting claimed the lives of Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, aged 24, Adam Chow, 66, and Chow’s granddaughter, age 4. Reports indicate that both Machuca and Chow died at the scene, while the young girl was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Nieneker, who has a criminal record and a history of mental health issues, allegedly targeted the victims at random. Witnesses described a chaotic scene filled with blood and the presence of deceased individuals.
Details of the Incident
Hector Machuca was working as a Target employee when he was shot while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot. Adam Chow, meanwhile, was shot while seated in the driver’s seat of a Toyota SUV, with his granddaughter in the backseat. Eyewitness accounts suggest that after shooting Chow and his granddaughter, Nieneker forcibly removed Chow’s wife from their vehicle before continuing his rampage.
Following the initial shootings, Nieneker hijacked a water truck, assaulted its driver, and attempted to steal the vehicle, but his effort failed. He later crashed the truck into two other vehicles before carjacking a Volkswagen, pushing a female driver out of the way in the process. Nieneker was also seen trying to break into an autonomous Waymo taxi.
Within less than an hour, Nieneker reportedly committed several violent offenses. After the chaos, he was observed running naked through residential backyards. Police apprehended him after deploying a taser around 3:06 PM.
Charges and Investigation
Following the incident, Nieneker was charged with two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Adam Chow and his granddaughter, in addition to one count of first-degree felony murder for the death of Hector Machuca.
Target has released a statement expressing condolences to the families affected and confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation. However, the motive behind Nieneker’s actions remains unknown at this time.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The APD is urging anyone who may have evidence, photographs, or videos related to the tragic event to step forward and contact the department. The community is left reeling from the event, and many are calling for mental health awareness and preventative measures against such violence.
Background Context
Gun violence has become an increasingly concerning issue in the United States, with tragic incidents occurring in various public areas. This particular event in Austin adds to the ongoing discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in mental health services and gun control legislation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
FAQ Section
What happened in the Austin shooting incident?
A shooting outside a Target store in Austin resulted in the deaths of three people, including a 4-year-old girl. Suspect Ethan Nieneker has been identified.
Who were the victims?
The victims included Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter.
What charges has the suspect faced?
Ethan Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder.
What actions did the suspect take after the shooting?
Nieneker hijacked a water truck, crashed vehicles, and attempted to break into another vehicle after the shooting.
Are there calls for prevention in the community?
Yes, many community members are expressing a need for improved mental health services and discussions regarding gun control to prevent future incidents.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 11, 2025 |
| Location | Target Store, 8601 Research Boulevard, Austin |
| Victims | Hector Machuca (24), Adam Chow (66), and 4-year-old granddaughter |
| Suspect | Ethan Nieneker (32) |
| Charges | Two counts of capital murder, one count of first-degree felony murder |
| Call to Community | APD requests evidence, photos, or videos related to the incident |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Ethan Nieneker Shooting Target Arrest
- Wikipedia: Austin
- ABC News: Shooting Reported Target Austin
- Google Search: Austin Shooting 2025
- FOX 7: Austin Target Shooting Police Identify Suspect
- Google Scholar: Austin Shooting
- NBC News: Two Killed Austin Target Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Shooting
- New York Times: Austin Shooting
- Google News: Austin Target Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF 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.
