What began as a normal afternoon at a north Austin Target on Monday, August 11, turned into a deadly attack when a gunman opened fire in the parking lot, killing three people and wounding another before wreaking havoc across the city.
Police later arrested 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, who claimed to be a religious figure, following a violent spree involving shootings, carjackings, and assaults.
The victims were identified as Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24; 65-year-old Adam Chow; and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter, Astrid Fung. Chow’s wife, Doris, was also shot but is expected to survive, according to ABC News.
Authorities say the shooting began around 2:15 p.m. when Nieneker shot Machuca as he gathered shopping carts. He then fired at a Jeep driver before approaching a parked Toyota 4Runner where Adam, Doris, and Astrid were sitting. Nieneker shot Adam and Astrid, killing them both, and shoved Doris aside before stealing the SUV.
From there, police say, he drove through Austin, crashing into cars, attacking motorists, and attempting multiple carjackings. Around 2:20 p.m., he reportedly forced a construction worker from a water truck, later abandoning it for the stolen SUV. Minutes later, he hit two more vehicles, assaulted a female driver, and took her Volkswagen.
Witness Chris Ferran told KGNS News he saw the SUV slam into cars on the highway before the armed suspect pulled a worker from a truck. “I called 911, then reversed to get my daughters to safety,” Ferran said.
The chaos continued as Nieneker attempted break-ins and caused property damage, including throwing a brick through a Bible study acquaintance’s window. Officers finally arrested him at 3:06 p.m. on Montclaire Street, where he was walking naked and ignored commands before being subdued with a Taser.
Police Chief Lisa Davis described the attack as “unprovoked and deliberate,” targeting “innocent lives in broad daylight.”
Nieneker, who lived alone and worked at a restaurant, has a lengthy criminal record dating back over a decade, with charges ranging from domestic violence to assault and drug offenses. Sgt. Nathan Sexton said the suspect offered no motive other than claiming he was Jesus, calling the victims’ selection “completely random.”
The Chow family called Adam the “heart and steady backbone” of their lives and described Astrid as “pure silliness and joy,” saying, “We are broken and miss them both so much.” Friends and coworkers also remembered Machuca as hardworking and kind.