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Scottish Sun
13-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Target shooting suspect Ethan Nieneker's chilling claim after ‘killing 3 at random' as he drips blood in new mugshot
DISTURBED RAMPAGE Target shooting suspect Ethan Nieneker's chilling claim after 'killing 3 at random' as he drips blood in new mugshot THE man accused of shooting three people dead, including a child, outside of a Target made a disturbing comment about Jesus after the sick crimes. Ethan Blaine Nieneker, 32, grimaced in a bloody mugshot after he allegedly opened fire on a group of people in the parking lot of the Austin, Texas, supermarket on Monday. Advertisement 7 Ethan Nieneker, 32, has been accused of shooting three people to death outside an Austin, Texas, Target on Monday Credit: AP 7 Law enforcement rushed to the shopping center after getting reports of a shooting Credit: AP 7 Officials found the three victims in the parking lot Credit: AP Police said that Nieneker randomly shot 24-year-old Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca before rushing over to Adam Chow, 65, and his 4-year-old granddaughter and killing them as he stole their car. The Austin Police Department revealed the victims' identities one day after the crime, and opened up on the suspect's deranged ravings and senseless motive. Speaking to reporters about Nieneker, homicide detective Nathan Sexton said, "He said that he was Jesus and there was no real reason whatsoever given. "It was a completely random choosing of the victims." Advertisement Cops arrived at the scene at 2:23 pm and found the worker suffering from gunshot wounds, the Austin Police Department said. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but couldn't be saved. Chow and the little girl were declared dead at the scene, and Chow's wife had minor injuries. Police say that Nieneker opened fire on Machuca in the parking lot at around 2:15 pm, and then fired shots at a Jeep as it tried to evade his gunfire. Advertisement The suspect then allegedly ran up to a Toyota 4-Runner and shot Chow, who was sitting in the front seat, before firing at the little girl in the backseat. Chow's wife grabbed her granddaughter before they were shoved out by Neineker, who stole the car and zoomed away, cops said. Austin Target shooting 'leaves at least three injured with suspect in custody' Around five minutes after the shooting started, the suspect stopped beside a water truck that was parked on the side of a road and allegedly beat the driver and pulled him from the front seat. Cops said that Nieneker tried to put the car in drive, but couldn't, so he went back to the 4-Runner and drove away. Advertisement He allegedly wrecked that car about five minutes later and then ran to a nearby Volkswagen dealership, where he carjacked another woman and left in her vehicle. Less than ten minutes after this, Nieneker tried to get into a Waymo self-driving car, but that didn't work, so he got back on the road. 7 The parking lot was taped off Credit: Getty 7 The suspect stole a car and zoomed away, according to police Credit: AP Advertisement A few minutes later, a friend who knew the suspect told cops that Neineker threw a brick through his residence. The suspect continually zoomed through the center of the city with cops on his trail before someone reported seeing a naked man in their backyard. Officials raced to the area and found Nieneker naked on the street. When he didn't follow their directions, they tased him and put him in cuffs. Cops later found his clothes in a nearby porta-potty. Advertisement Nieneker was booked on Tuesday and looked battered and bruised in a mugshot taken by the local police department. Austin Police Department's full statement on shooting "On Monday, August 11, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to calls of multiple shootings at the Target parking lot at 8601 Research Boulevard northbound. Officers arrived to find a male, later identified as Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, in the parking lot. Mr. Martinez Machuca was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased at 3:01 p.m. Officers also located a family including Adam Chow, his wife, and their 4-year-old granddaughter. Adam Chow and his 4-year-old granddaughter were pronounced deceased on scene. Mr. Chow's wife sustained minor injuries. Homicides Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. The investigation showed Ethan Nieneker randomly attacked a Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca in the parking lot, shooting and killing him as he was collecting shopping carts. Nieneker then ran to a black Jeep Cherokee and began firing as the Jeep attempted to evade the gunfire. Nieneker then ran up to a gray Toyota 4-Runner where he shot Mr. Chow as he sat in the driver seat. He then fired into the backseat, striking the 4-year-old granddaughter. Mr. Chow's wife carried their granddaughter from the vehicle and Nieneker pushed her from the vehicle. Nieneker then drove the Toyota from the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Mr. Chow and the 4-year-old granddaughter were pronounced deceased on scene at 2:39 and 2:50 p.m. At approximately 2:20 p.m. Nieneker found a water truck parked alongside the 7800 block of Mopac Expressway. He opened the driver's door and repeatedly assaulted the driver before pushing him out of the vehicle. He attempted to put the truck into drive but was unable to. He then jumped out of the truck and chased a male with a pistol in his hand before running back to the stolen 4-Runner and drove off. At approximately 2:25 p.m., APD received the call of a multiple-vehicle crash as the stolen 4-Runner crashed into a Volkswagen before landing on top of an Infiniti SUV. Nieneker exited the vehicle and went over to the Volkswagen, opened the door and repeatedly assaulted the female driver of the Volkswagen. He pushed the female driver of the Volkswagen out and then drove off. At 2:34 p.m., a suspect matching Nieneker's description exited the stolen Volkswagen and went up to a Waymo vehicle and attempted to break into it. This failed and Nieneker returned to the stolen Volkswagen and drove away. At 2:37 p.m., an acquaintance known to Nieneker through bible study reported that Nieneker had thrown a brick through his residence in the 2100 block of La Casa Drive. At 2:58 p.m., APD received the call of a naked male walking through a backyard in the 2400 block of La Casa Drive. Nieneker was observed running into a 'porta potty' and then leaving on foot. Officers located Nieneker walking naked on Montclaire Street. Nieneker was issued commands, did not comply, was tased and taken into custody at 3:06 p.m. Officers checked the area, and the matching suspect clothing previously captured surveillance was located inside of the "porta potty". The investigation shows that Nieneker conducted these violent offenses of shooting at multiple victims, killing three victims, and destroying multiple vehicles, in the span of less than one hour. Nieneker has been charged with two counts of Capital Murder for the 4-year-old granddaughter and for Adam Chow. He has also been charged for the First-Degree Felony Murder of Mr. Martinez Machuca. Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have photos, videos, or potential evidence, please submit them by clicking here or scanning the QR code below. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting or calling (512) 472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest. This case is being investigated as Austin's 39th, 40th and 41st homicide of 2025." DISTURBING HISTORY Davis said that they knew Nieneker and revealed he had a history of mental health issues. The suspect has an extensive criminal history starting in 2012 when he was arrested and convicted for misdemeanor marijuana possession, ABC affiliate KVUE reported. In 2015, he was arrested for misdemeanor DWI, felony criminal mischief, and assaulting a family member. Advertisement The following year, Nieneker was arrested and convicted of a felony charge for assaulting his girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and probation for that charge. Also in 2016, he was accused of criminal mischief, but the charge was later dismissed. Later that year, he was arrested and convicted of a felony charge for violating a bond or protective order. In 2017, Nieneker pleaded guilty to a DWI charge and spent 30 days in jail. Advertisement 7 Officers spoke at the scene Credit: AP 7 Investigators searched the grounds Credit: Getty He was accused of attacking his roommate in 2019, but the case was later dismissed. In a Facebook account that appears to belong to Nieneker, the suspect wrote about getting a job as a bartender in 2020. Advertisement That same year, he penned several posts complaining about people sharing their political opinions. After Tuesday's shooting, Davis said, "This is a very sad day for Austin. It's a very sad day for us all." "Our thoughts are with the families," she added. "This is a tragic time, our thoughts are with the officers, and EMS, and fire that had to come and do the work here at the scene, forensics, everyone that's doing the scene." Advertisement Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder for allegedly killing the little girl and Chow. He was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Machuca, meaning the killing was deliberate and planned, according to cops.
The Irish Sun
13-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Target shooting suspect Ethan Nieneker's chilling claim after ‘killing 3 at random' as he drips blood in new mugshot
THE man accused of shooting three people dead, including a child, outside of a Target made a disturbing comment about Jesus after the sick crimes. Ethan Blaine Nieneker, 32, grimaced in a bloody mugshot after he allegedly opened fire on a group of people in the parking lot of the Austin, Texas, supermarket on Monday. 7 Ethan Nieneker, 32, has been accused of shooting three people to death outside an Austin, Texas, Target on Monday Credit: AP 7 Law enforcement rushed to the shopping center after getting reports of a shooting Credit: AP 7 Officials found the three victims in the parking lot Credit: AP Police said that Nieneker randomly shot 24-year-old Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca before rushing over to Adam Chow, 65, and his 4-year-old granddaughter and killing them as he stole their car. The Austin Police Department revealed the victims' identities one day after the crime, and opened up on the suspect's deranged ravings and senseless motive. Speaking to reporters about Nieneker, homicide detective Nathan Sexton said, "He said that he was Jesus and there was no real reason whatsoever given. "It was a completely random choosing of the victims." Cops arrived at the scene at 2:23 pm and found the worker suffering from gunshot wounds, the Austin Police Department said. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but couldn't be saved. Chow and the little girl were declared dead at the scene, and Chow's wife had minor injuries. Police say that Nieneker opened fire on Machuca in the parking lot at around 2:15 pm, and then fired shots at a Jeep as it tried to evade his gunfire. The suspect then allegedly ran up to a Toyota 4-Runner and shot Chow, who was sitting in the front seat, before firing at the little girl in the backseat. Chow's wife grabbed her granddaughter before they were shoved out by Neineker, who stole the car and zoomed away, cops said. Austin Target shooting 'leaves at least three injured with suspect in custody' Around five minutes after the shooting started, the suspect stopped beside a water truck that was parked on the side of a road and allegedly beat the driver and pulled him from the front seat. Cops said that Nieneker tried to put the car in drive, but couldn't, so he went back to the 4-Runner and drove away. He allegedly wrecked that car about five minutes later and then ran to a nearby Volkswagen dealership, where he carjacked another woman and left in her vehicle. Less than ten minutes after this, Nieneker tried to get into a Waymo self-driving car, but that didn't work, so he got back on the road. 7 The parking lot was taped off Credit: Getty 7 The suspect stole a car and zoomed away, according to police Credit: AP A few minutes later, a friend who knew the suspect told cops that Neineker threw a brick through his residence. The suspect continually zoomed through the center of the city with cops on his trail before someone reported seeing a naked man in their backyard. Officials raced to the area and found Nieneker naked on the street. When he didn't follow their directions, they tased him and put him in cuffs. Cops later found his clothes in a nearby porta-potty. Nieneker was booked on Tuesday and looked battered and bruised in a mugshot taken by the local police department. Austin Police Department's full statement on shooting "On Monday, August 11, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to calls of multiple shootings at the Target parking lot at 8601 Research Boulevard northbound. Officers arrived to find a male, later identified as Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, in the parking lot. Mr. Martinez Machuca was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased at 3:01 p.m. Officers also located a family including Adam Chow, his wife, and their 4-year-old granddaughter. Adam Chow and his 4-year-old granddaughter were pronounced deceased on scene. Mr. Chow's wife sustained minor injuries. Homicides Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. The investigation showed Ethan Nieneker randomly attacked a Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca in the parking lot, shooting and killing him as he was collecting shopping carts. Nieneker then ran to a black Jeep Cherokee and began firing as the Jeep attempted to evade the gunfire. Nieneker then ran up to a gray Toyota 4-Runner where he shot Mr. Chow as he sat in the driver seat. He then fired into the backseat, striking the 4-year-old granddaughter. Mr. Chow's wife carried their granddaughter from the vehicle and Nieneker pushed her from the vehicle. Nieneker then drove the Toyota from the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Mr. Chow and the 4-year-old granddaughter were pronounced deceased on scene at 2:39 and 2:50 p.m. At approximately 2:20 p.m. Nieneker found a water truck parked alongside the 7800 block of Mopac Expressway. He opened the driver's door and repeatedly assaulted the driver before pushing him out of the vehicle. He attempted to put the truck into drive but was unable to. He then jumped out of the truck and chased a male with a pistol in his hand before running back to the stolen 4-Runner and drove off. At approximately 2:25 p.m., APD received the call of a multiple-vehicle crash as the stolen 4-Runner crashed into a Volkswagen before landing on top of an Infiniti SUV. Nieneker exited the vehicle and went over to the Volkswagen, opened the door and repeatedly assaulted the female driver of the Volkswagen. He pushed the female driver of the Volkswagen out and then drove off. At 2:34 p.m., a suspect matching Nieneker's description exited the stolen Volkswagen and went up to a Waymo vehicle and attempted to break into it. This failed and Nieneker returned to the stolen Volkswagen and drove away. At 2:37 p.m., an acquaintance known to Nieneker through bible study reported that Nieneker had thrown a brick through his residence in the 2100 block of La Casa Drive. At 2:58 p.m., APD received the call of a naked male walking through a backyard in the 2400 block of La Casa Drive. Nieneker was observed running into a 'porta potty' and then leaving on foot. Officers located Nieneker walking naked on Montclaire Street. Nieneker was issued commands, did not comply, was tased and taken into custody at 3:06 p.m. Officers checked the area, and the matching suspect clothing previously captured surveillance was located inside of the "porta potty". The investigation shows that Nieneker conducted these violent offenses of shooting at multiple victims, killing three victims, and destroying multiple vehicles, in the span of less than one hour. Nieneker has been charged with two counts of Capital Murder for the 4-year-old granddaughter and for Adam Chow. He has also been charged for the First-Degree Felony Murder of Mr. Martinez Machuca. Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have photos, videos, or potential evidence, please submit them by clicking here or scanning the QR code below. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting or calling (512) 472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest. This case is being investigated as Austin's 39th, 40th and 41st homicide of 2025." DISTURBING HISTORY Davis said that they knew Nieneker and revealed he had a history of mental health issues. The suspect has an extensive criminal history starting in 2012 when he was arrested and convicted for misdemeanor marijuana possession, ABC affiliate KVUE reported. In 2015, he was arrested for misdemeanor DWI, felony criminal mischief, and assaulting a family member. The following year, Nieneker was arrested and convicted of a felony charge for assaulting his girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and probation for that charge. Also in 2016, he was accused of criminal mischief, but the charge was later dismissed. Later that year, he was arrested and convicted of a felony charge for violating a bond or protective order. In 2017, Nieneker pleaded guilty to a DWI charge and spent 30 days in jail. 7 Officers spoke at the scene Credit: AP 7 Investigators searched the grounds Credit: Getty He was accused of attacking his roommate in 2019, but the case was later dismissed. In a Facebook account that appears to belong to Nieneker, the suspect wrote about getting a job as a bartender in 2020. That same year, he penned several posts complaining about people sharing their political opinions. After Tuesday's shooting, Davis said, "This is a very sad day for Austin. It's a very sad day for us all." "Our thoughts are with the families," she added. "This is a tragic time, our thoughts are with the officers, and EMS, and fire that had to come and do the work here at the scene, forensics, everyone that's doing the scene." Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder for allegedly killing the little girl and Chow. He was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Machuca, meaning the killing was deliberate and planned, according to cops.
New York Post
12-08-2025
- New York Post
Austin Target shooting suspect claimed he was Jesus, chose his victims — an employee, grandfather and 4-year-old granddaughter — at random
The disturbed fiend who allegedly opened fire in a Target parking lot in Texas claimed to be Jesus and gunned down his three victims — identified Tuesday as a cart collector, a grandfather and his 4-year-old granddaughter — at random. Ethan Nieneker, 32, went on the deadly rampage Monday afternoon in Austin, using a gun obtained by a family member to fatally shoot Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24, Adam Chow, 66, and Chow's young granddaughter, the Austin Police Department announced Tuesday. 'He said that he was Jesus and there was no real reason whatsoever given,' Austin Homicide detective Nathan Sexton said of the accused mentally ill gunman's violent spree. 3 Ethan Nieneker claimed he was Jesus, and chose his victims at random. Austin Police Department 'It was a completely random choosing of the victims.' Police said the fatal mayhem began around 2:15 p.m. Monday when Nieneker – who has a long rap sheet with the department – stormed the retail lot just north of Austin wearing a Hawaiian shirt and randomly targeted Machuca as the employee was collecting shopping carts. 3 Nieneker's three victims included a 24-year-old Austin Target employee, a grandfather and his 4-year-old granddaughter. Facebook/Ethan Nieneker The rabid assailant then fired at a Jeep trying to escape the gunfire before approaching a gray Toyota 4-Runner, where he fatally shot Chow, who was in the driver's seat, and Chow's granddaughter in the backseat. 3 Nieneker is accused of gunning down the victims in Austin on Monday afternoon before making a dramatic getaway that involved two stolen cars and a police chase. AP The family members were both pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The Target employee was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Chow's wife was also injured in the heinous attack before Nieneker stole their car and fled at high speed from the store. Nieneker later crashed the Toyota into a Volkswagen before coming to a rest on top of an Infiniti SUV. He then assaulted the Volkswagen driver, hijacked the vehicle, and drove off, according to police. He was eventually taken down with a Taser about 20 miles away in the city' south end after throwing a brick through a friend's house and wandering naked through a backyard, all of which was captured on video surveillance.
Economic Times
12-08-2025
- Economic Times
Who is Ethan Nieneker? Austin Target triple murder suspect with history of assaults and mental health issues
Synopsis Ethan Nieneker, 32, has been identified as the suspect in the deadly Target shooting in North Austin on August 11, which resulted in the deaths of three people, including a child. Nieneker, who has a history of mental health issues and a criminal record, is now in custody facing charges of capital murder and first-degree murder. Ethan Nieneker has been booked into the Travis County Jail on charges of capital murder, including a threat and the murder of a person under 10 years old. (Image: X/Austin Police Department) Austin police have released a photograph of 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, the suspect in Monday's August 11 deadly shooting at a Target store in North Austin, showing him with a bloodied and bruised face following his arrest. In an X post, it said, 'UPDATE: The suspect in yesterday's triple homicide has been identified as Ethan Nieneker, White male, 32 years of age.'The Texas Target attack left three people dead, including a child, during the busy back-to-school shopping say Nieneker opened fire in the store's parking lot, killing two people on the spot and fatally injuring a third who later died in the hospital. He allegedly fled in a stolen car, crashed it, then stole another vehicle before being apprehended in South Austin after an officer used a Taser.'This is a very sad day for Austin,' Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters in a press conference that afternoon. According to a report by the Independent, during the chaotic shooting incident, police evacuated Target shoppers to a nearby PetSmart. Officials advised the public to stay away from the in the Target parking lot were temporarily held while police conducted their Police Chief Lisa Davis told reporters that the suspected shooter, Ethan Nieneker, has a history of mental health issues and a criminal record with the department. According to official records cited by multiple local outlets, Nieneker has been booked into the Travis County Jail on charges of capital murder by terror threat, capital murder of a person under 10 years old, and first-degree affiliate KEYE reported that Nieneker has faced at least six previous charges in Travis County and five in nearby Williamson include several cases of assault causing bodily injury in family violence incidents, criminal mischief, driving while intoxicated, and violating a protective order. Some of these charges led to jail time, while others were Austin American-Statesman reported that his most recent domestic assault case, from 2019, was dismissed after the victim could not be newspaper also said Nieneker had previously been placed on 'emergency holds', a type of involuntary detention used when a person in a mental health crisis is considered a danger to themselves or is being held in the Travis County Jail on charges of: Capital murder by terror threat Capital murder of a person under 10 years old First-degree murder The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
USA Today
12-08-2025
- USA Today
Police identify suspect after 3 people killed in shooting in Target parking lot in Texas
Police in Austin, Texas, have identified the 32-year-old man taken into custody in connection with the deadly shooting outside of a Target store on Monday, Aug. 11. The Austin Police Department announced on Aug. 12 that Ethan Nieneker was arrested following the shooting in the retailer's parking lot. In a statement to media outlets including KVUE and CBS News Texas, Target said it is working with authorities on the ongoing investigation. "Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, our team in Austin and all those impacted by this tragedy," the statement said. "In the days ahead, we will continue partnering with law enforcement and will be providing support resources, including grief counseling, to our team.' Here's what we know so far. What we know about the suspect Officers responded to the Target at 2:15 p.m. on Aug. 11. By then, the suspected shooter, later identified as Nieneker, had fled in a stolen car, crashed it soon after and stole another vehicle, Chief Lisa Davis said at a news conference. Police then tracked the suspect down, used a Taser stun gun on him and arrested him, Davis said. The suspect is believed to have a history of mental health challenges, authorities noted. According to CNN and KEYE, citing jail records, Nieneker was charged with first-degree murder, capital murder by terror threat and capital murder of a person under 10. Local officials plan to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. on Aug. 12. What we know so far about the victims Two of the victims were declared dead on the scene, while the third died at a local hospital, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said at the news conference. The victims were not publicly named, but according to CNN and local news outlet KXAN, officials identified them as two adults and one child. 'Cowardly act' In a social media post on Aug.11, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the shooting a "cowardly act of gun violence." "This is a devastating situation, and my heart is with the victims and their families," Watson said. "While this remains an active and ongoing investigation, what I'll say is that this was a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence." "I am grateful for the quick response of our APD officers and other first responders and want to thank them for their actions to apprehend the suspect." Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
