What began as a typical Monday afternoon at a bustling Austin Target erupted into a nightmare that no one could have anticipated.
Shoppers, employees, and families went about their routines when chaos descended—a violent spree that would leave three dead, one injured, and an entire city in shock. The suspect’s bizarre claims only deepened the mystery: was this a calculated act of violence or the delusion of someone convinced of a higher calling?
Authorities identified the man behind the rampage as 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker. The victims included Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24; 65-year-old Adam Chow; and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter, Astrid Fung. Doris Chow, Adam’s wife, survived serious injuries.
The Timeline of Terror
Around 2:15 p.m., Nieneker’s attack began in the Target parking lot on Research Boulevard. First, he shot Machuca as the young employee gathered shopping carts. Moments later, he fired at a nearby driver in a black Jeep Cherokee. Then came the scene that would devastate the community:
Adam Chow and his granddaughter Astrid were shot while seated in a Toyota 4Runner. Doris Chow managed to pull Astrid from the vehicle, but the suspect shoved her aside before fleeing in the SUV. Both Adam and Astrid were pronounced dead at the scene.
The chaos didn’t stop there. Over the next hour, Nieneker’s spree tore through Austin: he crashed vehicles, assaulted drivers, and attempted carjackings. Witnesses reported terrifying moments on the Mopac Expressway as he forced a construction worker from a water truck, crashed into multiple vehicles, and even stole another car after assaulting its driver.
By 2:37 p.m., the suspect escalated further, smashing a brick through the window of a Bible study acquaintance’s home. Police finally apprehended him at 3:06 p.m. on Montclaire Street, where he was found wandering naked in a residential neighborhood. After ignoring commands, officers subdued him with a Taser.
Authorities and Community React
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the attack as “unprovoked and deliberate,” emphasizing the randomness and brutality of the act. Sgt. Nathan s*xton revealed that Nieneker offered no rational explanation for his actions, only claiming that he was Jesus.
Nieneker had a history of criminal behavior, including domestic violence, assault, driving offenses, and drug charges, though many cases had been dismissed or resulted in short jail terms.
Families and communities are now grappling with loss. The Chow family remembered Adam as “the heart and steady backbone” of their lives, and Astrid as “pure silliness and joy.” Target employees mourned Machuca, recalling him as dedicated and kind.
Conclusion
The Austin Target shooting is a chilling illustration of how ordinary life can unravel in an instant.
With victims selected seemingly at random and a suspect claiming divine identity, the tragedy leaves behind grief, shock, and unanswered questions. As investigations continue, the community is left to process the horror, honor the victims, and confront the fragile reality of safety in daily life.