Naked suspect wielding a Bible was apprehended following the Austin Target shooting, which resulted in the loss of three lives.
In a shocking turn of events, Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old man, is facing charges for capital murder and first-degree murder following a shooting outside a Target store in Austin, Texas. The incident claimed the lives of three individuals, including a child, and left the community in mourning.
The shooting took place in the Target's parking lot around 2:15 p.m. According to the Austin Police Department, Nieneker stole a gray Toyota 4Runner and crashed it before assaulting a female driver in a Volkswagen and stealing her car. A firearm was found in the crashed Toyota.
The victims of the shooting were identified as Hector Martinez Machuca, a Target employee, Adam Chow, and Chow's 4-year-old granddaughter. Machuca was found by officers and taken to a hospital, where he later died. The child was shot in the back seat of Chow's vehicle.
Austin's Chief of Police, Lisa Davis, expressed that this was a "very sad day for Austin." She also stated that there were serious system failures leading up to the shooting in relation to Nieneker's mental illness issues. However, the details of these system failures and Nieneker's history of mental health issues have not been fully disclosed.
Nieneker was stunned and taken into custody by Austin police, naked and holding a Bible, claiming to be Jesus. His family declined to comment on Tuesday. It's not clear whether Nieneker has an attorney at this time.
The motive for the shooting is currently under investigation. The shooting was described as "random" as far as the victims were concerned. The Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson, described the shooting as a "sickening, cowardly act of gun violence." His heart is with the victims and their families in this "devastating situation."
Nieneker's criminal history includes multiple violent incidents and domestic violence, often linked with substance intoxication. These incidents suggest a pattern of behavioral troubles and possible untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions. Police are also investigating whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of three lives and hopes for justice. The victims' families and friends are in the thoughts and prayers of the city of Austin.
[1] Source: Austin American-Statesman, "Austin police: Suspect in Target shooting had history of mental health issues, erratic behavior," 11 May 2023. [2] Source: Austin American-Statesman, "Suspect in Target shooting had violent criminal history," 12 May 2023. [3] Source: KXAN, "Austin police: Suspect in Target shooting had history of domestic violence," 13 May 2023. [4] Source: Austin Police Department press conference, 14 May 2023.
- The Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson, expressed that the shooting at the Target store in a "devastating situation" and deemed it as a "sickening, cowardly act of gun violence," linking it to general-news and crime-and-justice categories.
- The Austin American-Statesman reported that the suspect, Ethan Nieneker, had a history of mental health issues, erratic behavior, and violent criminal acts, making the incident relevant to mental-health and health-and-wellness discussions.
- In the aftermath of the shooting, many Austin residents and politicians, including Mayor Kirk Watson, emphasized their thoughts and prayers for the victims' families, making this event a relevant topic in the local and national news, fall under the category of general-news, and touch on the community's collective grief and mental-health needs.
