Police have identified the man accused of fatally shooting three people, including a child, outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, on Monday.
Authorities said Tuesday that 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, who has a criminal record and a history of mental health issues, opened fire around 2:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Target at 8601 Research Boulevard in North Austin. Two of the victims, an adult and a child, died at the scene. A third victim died after being taken to a hospital. A fourth person was treated at the scene for unrelated injuries.
At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, police said the victims were chosen at random.
Ethan Nieneker.
Austin Police Department
Police name victims of Target shooting
One of the victims, 24-year-old Hector Lopoldo Martinez Machuca, was a Target employee. Police said Nieneker randomly attacked Machuca in the parking lot as he was collecting shopping carts. He died at a hospital.
Police said Nieneker then ran up to a Toyota SUV, where he shot 66-year-old Adam Chow while he sat in the driver’s seat. He then shot into the back seat, striking Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter. Chow’s wife then carried their granddaughter from the vehicle. Nieneker pushed her out of the way and drive the Toyota out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed, police said.
Chow and his granddaughter died at the scene. Police said Chow’s wife suffered minor injuries.
About five minutes after police arrived at the scene, Nieneker found a water truck parked alongside the 7800 block of Mopac Expressway, police said. He opened the driver’s door and repeatedly assaulted the driver before pushing him out of the vehicle.Â
Police said Nieneker attempted to put the truck into drive but was unable to. He jumped out of the truck and chased a man with a pistol in his hand before running back to the stolen Toyota and driving off.
About five minutes after that, APD said it was notified of a multi-vehicle crash involving the Toyota Neineker allegedly stole. It crashed into a Volkswagen before it landed on top of an Infiniti SUV. Nieneker then pushed the driver out of the Volkswagen and drove off.
Less than 10 minutes later, a suspect matching Nieneker’s description and unsuccessfully attempted to break into a Waymo autonomous taxi before driving off in the stolen Volkswagen, police said.Â
At 2:37 p.m., someone who said they know 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 about a naked male walking through a backyard in the 2400 block of La Casa Drive. Nieneker was seen running into a porta potty and then leaving on foot. APD said officers then found Nieneker walking naked on Montclaire Street.
Nieneker was issued commands, did not comply, was tased and taken into custody at 3:06 p.m., APD said. Officers found his clothes inside a nearby the porta potty.
Charges against Austin Target shooting suspect
Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder for the killings of Adam Chow and his 4-year-old granddaughter. He was also charged with first-degree felony murder for the shooting of Martinez Machuca. Â
Police said Tuesday Nieneker has multiple convictions on his criminal record, including assault and DWI.
Motive for Target shooting in Austin remains unknown
“This is a very sad day for Austin. This is a very sad day for us all,” Davis said following the incident. “My condolences go out to the families.”
Target issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming it is working with law enforcement:
“We are devastated by the violence that occurred today at our store in Austin, Texas. 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. We are working with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation and are grateful to the first responders who acted quickly at the scene. In the days ahead, we will continue partnering with law enforcement and will be providing support resources, including grief counseling, to our team.”Â
The motive for the attack remains unknown.Â
Nieneker has been charged with two counts of capital murder for the 4-year-old and for Chow. He has also been charged for the first-degree felony murder of Machuca. Â
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