by AUSTIN, Texas – A shocking tragedy unfolded in North Austin when a 32-year-old man opened fire at a Target store, killing three people, including a young child, in what authorities describe as a “random” shooting fueled by delusions that he was “Jesus.”
Details of the Shooting
The suspect, Ethan Nieneker, has been charged with first-degree murder, capital murder by terror threat, and capital murder of a person under 10 years of age, according to Travis County court records.
The victims were identified as Rosa Machuca, 24, Adam Chow, 65, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter. All three were pronounced dead at the scene, the Austin Police Department confirmed. Chow’s wife survived but sustained minor injuries.
The shooting took place Monday around 2:15 p.m. at the Target on Research Boulevard in North Austin, a normally busy shopping area.
Disturbing Confession
In a chilling confession to police, Nieneker allegedly said, “I killed a man and a baby girl today. In Target. In the Target parking lot. I shot them both, because I’m Jesus.”
An arrest affidavit obtained by local media outlets revealed that Nieneker insisted the killings were part of a divine mission.
“I realized I was Jesus, and I had to grab my gun and shoot a couple of people to save us all,” he reportedly said. “I killed these people out of love, not out of hate.”
Suspect’s Troubled Background
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Nieneker had a history of domestic violence-related allegations dating back to 2015 across multiple counties in the Texas Hill Country. Despite this, there had been no intervention to prevent him from possessing firearms.
“This man had some serious issues,” Chief Davis stated during a press conference covered by KUT, Austin’s NPR affiliate. “There were some serious failures here… when you’re looking at potentially some mental illness there.”
Although Nieneker told police he had not consumed drugs or alcohol recently, he allegedly continued to insist that his actions were necessary to “set everyone free.”
A Chaotic Escape Attempt
After the shooting, Nieneker fled the scene, sparking a chaotic series of events across Austin. Police said he stole a car, crashed it, then stole another vehicle. Along the way, he allegedly assaulted multiple drivers and even attempted to steal a municipal water truck and a Waymo self-driving car.
Authorities tracked him down about an hour later on Montclaire Street, 25 miles south of the Target. He was eventually located naked, refusing to comply with police commands, and was subdued with a taser before being arrested.
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Mental Health Evaluation Ordered
Court documents show Nieneker admitted to police that he knew his actions were wrong, despite his earlier claims of being out of control. The gun used in the attack was allegedly given to him by a family member.
He is currently held at the Travis County Correctional Complex on a $2.5 million bond. A mental health evaluation has been ordered, and he is under mental health observation. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 29.
Community Reaction
The tragedy has left Austin residents shaken, especially as it comes amid ongoing discussions about gun access and mental health resources in Texas. Local officials and community leaders expressed grief over the victims and frustration over systemic failures that allowed the tragedy to occur.
Conclusion
The devastating shooting highlights the dangers posed when untreated mental health issues intersect with easy access to firearms. As the community mourns the loss of three innocent lives, many are questioning how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
What do you think Texas and other states should do to prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
