A deadly shooting spree at a north Austin Target on August 11, 2025, left a 4-year-old child, a man, and a Target employee dead. The suspect, Ethan Nieneker, has a criminal history and claimed to be “Jesus” after his arrest. Read more about the tragic events.
A 4-year-old girl, her grandfather and a Target employee have been identified as the victims killed in a shooting outside of a Target store in Austin. https://t.co/HzaCu5hIZ5 pic.twitter.com/f5Tev6wALA
— ABC30 Fresno (@ABC30) August 13, 2025
A routine shopping trip at a north Austin Target on August 11, 2025, turned into a horrific tragedy when a gunman opened fire, killing a 4-year-old child, two adults, and causing widespread panic across the city. The shooting spree, which unfolded in broad daylight, left the community in shock and raised concerns over public safety in the area.
The Victims and Their Identities
The Austin Police Department (APD) identified the three victims as Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24, a Target employee; Adam Chow, 65; and his 4-year-old granddaughter, Astrid Fung. Chow’s wife, Doris, was also in the vehicle during the shooting but survived with minor injuries and is expected to recover.
The violence began at 2:15 p.m. when Ethan Nieneker, 32, approached Machuca, who was outside collecting shopping carts. Nieneker shot him dead before turning his attention to a parked vehicle where the Chow family sat.
View this post on Instagram
The Crime Spree Across Austin
Nieneker’s rampage did not end with the shooting at Target. After killing Chow and his granddaughter, Nieneker fled the scene and drove across Austin, engaging in a series of carjackings, crashes, and assaults. He hijacked a construction worker’s water truck, abandoned it, and continued his path of destruction.
Witnesses reported that Nieneker’s stolen SUV crashed into multiple vehicles, including a Volkswagen and Infiniti SUV. He assaulted a female driver, stole her car, and continued the spree across the city. At one point, Nieneker tried to break into a Waymo vehicle but failed, later returning to the stolen car.
View this post on Instagram
The Arrest and Investigation
Police finally apprehended Nieneker at 3:06 p.m. after a tip-off. Officers spotted him walking naked in a residential area and used a Taser to take him into custody. Surveillance footage confirmed he was the suspect, and his actions were deemed “unprovoked and deliberate” by Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis.
Authorities later learned that Nieneker had a lengthy criminal record, including multiple charges for domestic violence and driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, mental health issues appeared to have played a significant role in his violent actions. Nieneker claimed to be “Jesus” during his arrest and provided no clear motive for his attacks.
Police Officer Didarul Islam represented the very best of our department.
He was protecting New Yorkers from danger when his life was tragically cut short today.
We join in prayer during this time of incomprehensible pain. We will forever honor his legacy.#FidelisAdMortem pic.twitter.com/vkBZetsz2N
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) July 29, 2025
A Community in Mourning
In the aftermath, family members of the victims have come forward to share memories of their loved ones. The Chow family, devastated by the loss of Adam Chow and his granddaughter, Astrid, described them as pillars of love and support in their lives. The GoFundMe campaign launched for their funeral and memorial expenses has already raised over $49,000 to honor their memory.
I have been on scene at the shooting in Midtown, and we can report the shooter is neutralized.
The NYPD are now searching 345 Park Avenue carefully. If you are in the building, please stay where you are.
People have been shot and injured, and I will soon be going to the… pic.twitter.com/FYcOfuMxg6
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) July 29, 2025
Similarly, Hector Machuca’s childhood friend and neighbor, Raevin Canales, expressed his sorrow on social media, sharing that he had known Machuca for more than 15 years. In his post, he offered heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Target, where Machuca worked, also issued a statement expressing deep sadness and offering support to employees and families impacted by the attack. They vowed to assist law enforcement with the investigation and provide grief counseling for their team.
Calls for Action and Safety Improvements
The deadly shooting has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action. Local officials are under pressure to address public safety concerns, especially in light of the violent crime spree that unfolded across the city. Austin’s Police Department has pledged to continue their investigation and strengthen efforts to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
As of now, Ethan Nieneker faces two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Chow and Fung and one count of first-degree felony murder for Machuca’s death. The APD continues to investigate the motive behind the attack and its connection to Nieneker’s criminal history.
