Ethan Nieneker has been identified and arrested as the main suspect in a tragic shooting that took place at a North Austin Target store on August 11, 2025, find out more below
The shocking incident left three people dead and sparked attention to gaps in the mental health system and renewed concerns about gun access.
Who is Ethan Nieneker, suspect arrested in Target store, North Austin shooting of three people
AUSTIN MAN who killed 3 — including a child — in Monday’s Target parking lot shooting had a long, violent record in Travis & Williamson counties.
Ethan Blaine Nieneker's Record:
TRAVIS COUNTY:
• 2016 felony assault (family violence, repeat offense) → reduced to misdemeanor,… pic.twitter.com/iu3KTNAhZ0— Austin Justice (@AustinJustice) August 12, 2025
UPDATE: The suspect in yesterday’s triple homicide has been identified as Ethan Nieneker, White male, 32 years of age. pic.twitter.com/8fYjGGEuyq
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) August 12, 2025
Following the news of the incident, police quickly responded to the scene and apprehended the suspect following a dramatic chase involving multiple stolen vehicles.
Authorities said he has a history of mental health issues and previous arrests for domestic violence and assault. Nieneker, 32, who police said was found naked, holding a Bible and claiming to be Jesus.
Ethan Nieneker identified and arrested as main suspect in North Austin Shooting
Austin police have identified and arrested a man named Ethan Nieneker as the main suspect in the tragic shooting that took place outside the Target at 8601 Research Boulevard. Officers arrested Nieneker after a wild citywide chase, which involved two carjackings. According to eyewitness reports, he was acting erratically and when police apprehended him, Nieneker was naked and claimed to be Jesus. The incident further highlighted his history of serious mental health struggles.
The three victims killed in the shooting include Adam Chow, his 4-year-old granddaughter, and Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a store employee. According to police, Nieneker used a handgun that he had obtained through his family members.
Charges and Allegations
Following the arrest, authorities have since charged Nieneker with two counts of capital murder and first-degree felony murder. Nieneker could now face additional charges related to assault, vehicle theft, and property damage while the investigation unfolds. Under US federal law, people who are convicted of domestic violence are generally barred from possessing firearms. As such, the incident has raised questions about how he accessed the weapon and whether his family could face charges.
Ethan Nieneker biography
Ethan Nieneker is a resident of Austin, Texas, who lived alone and worked at a local restaurant. Nieneker has a history of mental illness and was also held in emergency psychiatric detention several times. Although there are not many personal details available about him, it can be noted that he has an extensive criminal record. According to his co-workers, there was a dramatic change in his behavior just days before the shooting. They described him as manic and deeply troubled and said that he had spoken during his shift about “revelations,” feeling chosen, and fasting for days to seek a higher power.
BREAKING: 32 year old gunman, Ethan Nieneker (left), opened fire in a Target of Austin, Texas, killing 4 year old girl, grandpa Adam Chow (right) and injured his wife before stealing their car. pic.twitter.com/6kBgSTBzQB
— Asians Against Wokeness (@AZNsAgainstWoke) August 13, 2025
Age and height
Ethan Nieneker is currently 32 years old according to police and court records and stands at an estimated height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches.
Criminal Record
Ethan Nieneker has an extensive criminal record that includes multiple convictions and charges:
- Assault causing bodily injury in family violence cases
- Driving while intoxicated
- Violation of protective orders
- Marijuana possession
- Criminal mischief
- Several dismissed or reduced charges (including a 2019 domestic assault case dismissed in 2022 due to an unreachable victim)
Profession
Ethan Nieneker worked at a local eatery in Austin prior to the shooting and arrest. Ethan did not live with family and his co-workers described him as a quiet but competent employee up until the days leading up to the incident, when he became increasingly unstable and concerning.
Man who shot and killed 3 people, including a child, in the parking lot of a Target store in Austin, Texas has been identified as 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker
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