Austin, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old, has been identified as the suspect in a shocking triple homicide outside a Target in Austin, Texas. The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a 4-year-old child. Nieneker fled the scene and was later arrested after a crash and altercation. The Austin community is in outrage, with calls to address systemic issues related to mental health as it relates to gun violence.
Austin: Triple Homicide Suspect Identified
Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old man, has been identified as the suspect in a tragic triple homicide that occurred outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, on Monday afternoon. The incident took place around 2:15 p.m. in the parking lot, where three individuals were killed, including a child.
Victims of the Shooting
The victims of this horrific event include Hector Martinez Machuca, a 24-year-old Target employee who was collecting shopping carts when he was shot; Adam Chow, a 65-year-old man who was shot while driving his vehicle; and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter, who was also in the vehicle at the time. Chow was seated in the driver’s seat, and it is reported that Nieneker shot Chow first before firing into the backseat, injuring the young girl. Additionally, Chow’s wife suffered minor injuries during the attack.
Sequence of Events
After the shooting, Nieneker fled the scene in Chow’s gray Toyota 4Runner. He later crashed the stolen vehicle into another car, a Volkswagen. Following the crash, Nieneker was involved in an altercation with the female driver of the Volkswagen, which raised further concerns about his actions. A firearm was discovered in the abandoned vehicle, linking him to the crime.
Nieneker’s Arrest
Law enforcement located Nieneker later that day in a disturbed state. He was found without clothes and holding a Bible, claiming to be Jesus when approached by authorities. Officers took action, using a Taser to subdue him, and he was taken into custody around 3:06 p.m. He is facing capital murder charges for the deaths of Adam Chow and his granddaughter, as well as first-degree murder charges for the death of Hector Machuca.
Community Response
The incident has left the Austin community in shock, with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson calling the shooting a “sickening, cowardly act of gun violence.” The triple homicide is now being registered as Austin’s 39th, 40th, and 41st homicides of 2025, highlighting a troubling trend in violence within the city this year.
In light of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the families affected by the shooting, particularly those of Adam Chow and his granddaughter. Local authorities are also encouraging individuals with potential evidence related to the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
Background Information
Nieneker has a troubling history, reportedly suffering from mental health issues and possessing a lengthy criminal record that includes previous charges for assault and driving while intoxicated (DWI). The recent violence has sparked discussions regarding systemic failures associated with mental health care that may have contributed to this incident. Austin’s police chief described the shooting as “random” regarding the selection of victims, indicating that it could be an isolated case rather than the manifestation of a larger issue.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing communities regarding gun violence and mental health, prompting calls for action on various levels.
FAQ
Who is the suspect in the Austin triple homicide?
The suspect is Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old man with a history of mental health issues and a criminal record.
What happened during the shooting?
The shooting occurred in a Target parking lot, resulting in the deaths of Hector Machuca, Adam Chow, and Chow’s granddaughter.
What are the charges against Nieneker?
Nieneker is charged with capital murder for the deaths of Adam Chow and his granddaughter and first-degree murder for the death of Hector Machuca.
How is the community responding to the incident?
The community is in shock, with local leaders expressing outrage and support for the victims’ families, including a GoFundMe campaign.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Ethan Nieneker, 32, with mental health issues and a criminal record |
| Location | Target parking lot, Austin, Texas |
| Time of Incident | 2:15 PM on Monday |
| Victims | Hector Machuca (24), Adam Chow (65), and Chow’s granddaughter (4) |
| Charges | Capital murder and first-degree murder |
| Community Response | Outrage, support for victims’ families, and conversations about mental health |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Austin Mass Shooting
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Search: Austin Target Shooting
- KXAN
- Google Scholar: Austin Target Shooting
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Target Shooting
- ABC News
- 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.
