Suspect and 3 Victims Identified in Deadly Target Shooting in Austin, Texas – Details

A Texas shopping trip turned deadly when police say a gunman claiming to be a religious figure opened fire outside a Target, killing three, including a child.

The Austin Police Department has identified those involved in the August 11, 2025, shooting at a north Austin Target parking lot, including a suspect who claimed to be a spiritual leader.

Investigators say the suspect, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, killed Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24; Adam Chow, 65; and Chow's 4-year-old granddaughter. Chow's wife sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover.

According to police, the violence began around 2:15 p.m. on Monday at the Target on 8601 Research Boulevard Northbound. Nieneker allegedly shot Martinez Machuca as he collected shopping carts, then opened fire on the Chows in their Toyota 4Runner before stealing the vehicle.

Over the next 50 minutes, he is accused of committing assaults, attempted carjackings, and causing multiple crashes, including one involving a Volkswagen and an Infiniti SUV. Officers arrested Nieneker, who was walking naked, at 3:06 p.m. on Montclaire Street after he fled on foot.

Austin Police Police Chief Lisa Davis called the shootings an "unprovoked and deliberate attack" on "innocent lives" in broad daylight. Meanwhile, Police Sergeant Nathan Sexton added, "He said that he was Jesus and there was really no reason whatsoever given. It was a completely random choosing of the victims."

Nieneker is charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.