A routine shopping trip in north Austin turned into a nightmare Monday afternoon when a gunman claiming to be “Jesus” opened fire outside a Target store, killing three—including a four-year-old child—and leaving a city shaken by grief and unanswered questions.

A Day Shattered by Violence

It was just after 2:00 p.m. on August 11, 2025, when the ordinary hum of errands at Target on Research Boulevard was shattered by gunshots. Within minutes, three innocent lives were lost and a community forever changed.

Austin Police have identified the suspect as Ethan Nieneker, 32, whose actions left families and friends mourning and a city searching for answers.

The Victims: Remembering Lives Lost

The victims were Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a 24-year-old Target employee; Adam Chow, 65; and Chow’s beloved granddaughter, Astrid Fung, just four years old. Chow’s wife, Doris, survived with minor injuries and is expected to recover.

In statements to ABC News, the Chow family described Adam as “the heart and steady backbone” of their lives, and Astrid as “pure silliness and joy.” Their heartbreak is shared by a wider community—teachers, classmates, friends, and all who knew Astrid. A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $50,000 for funeral and memorial expenses, a testament to the love and support pouring in.

Machuca’s longtime friend, Raevin Canales, posted on Facebook about knowing Hector for over 15 years, expressing deep sorrow for his family and offering condolences to all affected.

Target, where Machuca worked, released its own statement: “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 and providing grief counseling and support resources to our team.”

The Chaos Unfolds

According to police, the violence began at 2:15 p.m. when Nieneker shot Machuca as he was collecting shopping carts outside the store. Nieneker then fired at a driver in a black Jeep Cherokee before approaching the Chows’ parked Toyota 4Runner, shooting Adam Chow in the driver’s seat and Astrid in the back seat. Doris Chow managed to carry Astrid out before Nieneker pushed her aside and sped away in the stolen SUV.

Chow and Fung were pronounced dead at the scene. What followed was a frantic chase across Austin, as Nieneker crashed into vehicles, attempted carjackings, and assaulted drivers.

Eyewitness Chris Ferran recounted to KGNS News how he chased the suspect’s SUV after seeing him smash into two cars. Realizing the man was armed, Ferran reversed and tried to get his daughters to safety, later calling 911.

By 2:25 p.m., police were responding to multiple crashes involving the stolen SUV, which landed on top of an Infiniti. Nieneker allegedly assaulted the female driver of a Volkswagen, stole her car, and continued his spree.

At 2:34 p.m., Nieneker tried and failed to break into a Waymo vehicle, then returned to the stolen Volkswagen and drove off. Three minutes later, he reportedly threw a brick through an acquaintance’s window on La Casa Drive.

Police finally arrested Nieneker at 3:06 p.m. on Montclaire Street, finding him walking naked in a residential area after surveillance footage showed him changing clothes in a portable toilet. Officers used a Taser to take him into custody when he ignored commands.

Law Enforcement Response

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis called the attack “unprovoked and deliberate,” emphasizing the randomness and brutality of the violence. The suspect, who worked at a local restaurant and lived alone, has a history of run-ins with law enforcement.

Court records reveal a decade-long criminal history for Nieneker, including misdemeanors for criminal mischief and DWI, and three felony domestic violence charges. He served brief jail time for assault causing bodily injury in 2016, with other charges dismissed over the years.

Chief Davis did not elaborate on Nieneker’s mental health but acknowledged “serious issues” and “some serious failures” in the system.

Sergeant Nathan Sexton told reporters that Nieneker claimed to be Jesus and gave “no reason whatsoever” for his actions, confirming the victims were chosen at random.

A City in Mourning

As police tape blocked off the scene and investigators combed through evidence, Austin’s community began to grieve. Floral tributes, social media posts, and statements from local leaders poured in.

Target pledged continued cooperation with law enforcement and support for employees and victims’ families. Community members have rallied around the grieving families, with donations and messages of sympathy.

Charges and Investigation

Nieneker now faces two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Astrid Fung and Adam Chow, and one count of first-degree felony murder for the death of Hector Machuca. Police continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.

National Context: A Wave of Violence

The tragedy in Austin came just two weeks after a mass shooting in Midtown Manhattan, where four people—including a New York Police Department officer—were killed. The shooter, Shane Devon Tamura, 27, acted alone and was later found dead from a self-inflicted injury. The NYPD and FBI responded swiftly, and the city mourned the loss of Officer Didarul Islam, a devoted husband and father.

Mayor Eric Adams and other officials praised Islam’s service and offered condolences to all victims. Corporate offices affected by the Manhattan shooting, including KPMG, released statements honoring the victims and expressing gratitude for law enforcement’s bravery.

Moving Forward

As Austin reels from this senseless act, the community is coming together to support the families and honor the lives lost. Police continue their investigation, and questions remain about how such violence could occur—and how it might be prevented in the future.

For now, the city mourns, remembers, and hopes for healing.