Austin, Texas, August 13, 2025
News Summary
A shooting at a Target parking lot in Austin has left three individuals dead, including a 4-year-old girl and her grandfather. The shooter, Ethan Nieneker, initiated the violence unexpectedly, targeting a store employee and other bystanders. Panic ensued as shoppers fled the scene, which highlights growing concerns about safety in public spaces. Nieneker is now facing multiple charges, including capital murder, amid revelations of his troubled past with mental health and prior arrests.
Austin, Texas – A tragic shooting at a Target parking lot has left three people dead, including a 4-year-old girl and her grandfather. The gunman, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, initiated the violence around midday while a Target employee was collecting shopping carts. The employee, identified as 24-year-old Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, was shot and later died from his injuries at the hospital. Following this, Nieneker shot 65-year-old Adam Chow and his granddaughter, both of whom were in their vehicle during the incident. They were pronounced dead at the scene, while Chow’s wife sustained minor injuries.
As panic ensued, shoppers and employees fled the scene in fear. The Austin Police Department reported that the gruesome act was both unprovoked and deliberate. According to police, Nieneker has a known history of mental health issues, although no specific diagnosis has been confirmed. Additionally, he has a criminal background that includes multiple arrests for domestic violence and assault, with several charges having been dismissed in the past.
After the initial shooting, Nieneker escaped in the Chow family’s Jeep Cherokee. He was later involved in several additional incidents, including multiple car crashes and attempted thefts, before ultimately being apprehended. Authorities found him while he was naked and hiding in a portable toilet, still clutching a Bible. Nieneker resisted arrest and stated he believed he was Jesus; police used a Taser to subdue him.
He is currently facing criminal charges that include two counts of capital murder and one count of felony murder, with additional charges concerning assaults and thefts anticipated. The weapon used in the shooting was reportedly obtained from a family member.
The shooting adds to ongoing concerns regarding gun violence in typically safe spaces, particularly following a recent stabbing incident at a Walmart in Michigan. Local officials and Target have extended their condolences to the victims’ families and indicated that the store is cooperating with the authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Key Details of the Incident
- Incident Date: Midday on a busy shopping day.
- Primary Victims: Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow, and his 4-year-old granddaughter.
- Gunman: Identified as Ethan Nieneker, 32.
- Charges: Two counts of capital murder, one count of felony murder, among others.
- Background: History of mental health issues and previous criminal activities.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as gunfire erupted. Shoppers were caught off guard during their back-to-school shopping, leading to a frantic evacuation of the parking lot.
Community Impact
This incident has heightened concerns about safety in public spaces, as more communities experience violent events in places that were once considered safe. Local officials are calling for further investigations into the causes of such violence and measures needed to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The Austin Target parking lot shooting is a somber reminder of the risks associated with gun violence and the devastating impact on families and communities. As investigations continue, the community grapples with the loss of innocent lives.
FAQs
What happened during the shooting at the Austin Target?
A shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Target store, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a young girl and her grandfather. The shooter, Ethan Nieneker, randomly fired at a Target employee and then at a grandfather and his granddaughter in their vehicle.
Who is the shooter and what is known about him?
The shooter is Ethan Nieneker, aged 32, who has a documented history of mental health issues and past criminal behavior, including domestic violence and assault arrests.
What charges is the shooter facing?
Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of felony murder, with other charges concerning assaults and thefts expected as the investigation unfolds.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Date | Midday on a busy shopping day |
| Fatalities | Hector Machuca, Adam Chow, and a 4-year-old girl |
| Perpetrator | Ethan Nieneker, age 32 |
| Charges | Two counts of capital murder, one count of felony murder |
| Victim’s injuries | Minor injuries to Chow’s wife |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CNN
- Wikipedia: Austin Shooting
- New York Times
- Google Search: Austin Texas Target Shooting
- Associated Press
- Google Scholar: Austin Texas Target Shooting
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Texas Target Shooting
- The Guardian
- Google News: Austin Texas 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.
