A Texas man is behind bars following a deadly shooting spree at a Target store in Austin, where three innocent lives were taken in a random fusillade of gunfire.
Ethan Nieneker, 32, has been charged with multiple murder offenses, including first-degree murder, capital murder by terror threat, and capital murder of a child under 10 years of age, according to court records in Travis County.
Victims of the Tragic Shooting
The shooting claimed the lives of Rosa Machuca, 24, Adam Chow, 65, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter, who were all pronounced dead at the scene. Chow’s wife, who was also at the store, sustained minor injuries in the attack.
Law enforcement officials were quick to respond, confirming the tragic events unfolded at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Monday at the Target located on Research Boulevard in northern Austin.
Nieneker’s Shocking Confession
After being apprehended, Nieneker allegedly made a series of startling statements to law enforcement. According to an arrest affidavit, he confessed, “I killed a man and a baby girl today. In Target.
In the Target parking lot. I shot them both, because I’m Jesus.” He continued explaining his actions, stating, “I realized I was Jesus, and I had to grab my gun and shoot a couple of people to save us all.”
Nieneker is said to have rationalized the killings by claiming they were acts of love rather than hate, adding that he needed to “set everyone free” by randomly killing a few people. His confession included bizarre remarks about his perceived role in the violence and his delusion of being a savior.
History of Mental Health Issues
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis revealed that Nieneker had a known history of mental health struggles, noting that the defendant had been involved in multiple domestic violence-related incidents dating back to 2015.
The chief acknowledged that the signs of mental illness should have raised alarms but also highlighted failures in addressing his issues.
Despite these allegations, Nieneker denied having a formal mental health diagnosis and insisted he had not used drugs or alcohol in recent times. However, his erratic behavior and bizarre confession raised serious concerns about his mental state at the time of the shooting.
Fugitive Chase and Arrest
Following the shooting, Nieneker fled the scene in a stolen vehicle but was apprehended about an hour later after committing additional crimes, including car thefts and assaults on other drivers. He also attempted to steal a municipal water truck and a Waymo driverless car.
Authorities were eventually able to track his location through tips from locals who recognized him. Nieneker was found naked in the area, refusing to comply with police commands. After being tased, he was arrested.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Evaluation
Nieneker is currently being held at the Travis County Correctional Complex on a $2.5 million bond. He has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and is being monitored for any further psychological concerns. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 29.
