Unprovoked shooting in Austin leads to the tragic fatalities of a 4-year-old girl, her grandfather, and a Target employee; confirmed by local authorities.
In the heart of North Austin, Texas, a tragic event unfolded on August 11, 2025, as a shooting at a Target store claimed the lives of three innocent victims. The suspect in this case, Ethan Nieneker, a 32-year-old local resident, stands accused of capital murder and first-degree felony murder[1][2][3].
The victims of the shooting were a 64-year-old man, his 4-year-old granddaughter, and a 24-year-old Target employee[1][2][3]. The incident occurred in broad daylight, causing shock and grief throughout the community.
Nieneker, who had a history with the Austin Police Department, is said to have a lengthy criminal record. His past offenses include assault, driving while intoxicated, and possession of marijuana, among others[1][2][5]. Notably, police reports from 2016 detail violent domestic violence incidents, where Nieneker is accused of pushing, punching, choking, and admitting to knowing how to hurt without leaving marks. In one instance, an assault victim lost consciousness[1][2][5].
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis highlighted Nieneker's documented serious mental health issues, stating that "There were some serious failures here" without elaborating further[1]. Nieneker was found naked by officers at the scene, reportedly claiming to be Jesus[1]. Despite his history and mental health concerns, records show that Nieneker was not placed on emergency mental health holds or committed previously[2].
The gun used in the shooting was reportedly acquired through family, raising questions about how weapons were allowed to enter Nieneker's possession given his violent history and mental health status. Federal law prohibits possession of firearms by those convicted of domestic violence, and investigations into potential charges against family members concerning the weapons are ongoing[1][2].
In addition to the murder charges, Nieneker faces multiple other felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, attempted murder, and aggravated robbery, with a bond set at $3.4 million[4].
Target released a statement expressing condolences and saying they are working with law enforcement and providing support resources to their team[1]. The Chow family, who lost their loved ones in the shooting, remembered Adam Chow as the "heart and steady backbone of our family." The 4-year-old girl, whose nickname was Astrid, was described as "pure silliness and joy" who loved singing, dancing, and making people laugh. The family also expressed their grief and missed them both deeply[1].
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis called the shooting an "unprovoked and deliberate attack" on "innocent lives"[1]. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the senseless loss of life and calls for improved mental health care and firearm control measures.
References: [1] ABC News, (2025, August 12). Suspect in Austin Target shooting has extensive criminal history, mental health issues: Police. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/suspect-austin-target-shooting-extensive-criminal-history-mental/story?id=89956138 [2] CBS Austin, (2025, August 12). Suspect in Target shooting had extensive criminal history, mental health issues. Retrieved from https://austin.cbslocal.com/2025/08/12/suspect-in-target-shooting-had-extensive-criminal-history-mental-health-issues/ [3] KXAN, (2025, August 12). Suspect in Target shooting had extensive criminal history, mental health issues: Police. Retrieved from https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/suspect-in-target-shooting-had-extensive-criminal-history-mental-health-issues-police/ [4] KVUE, (2025, August 12). Suspect in Target shooting had extensive criminal history, mental health issues: Police. Retrieved from https://www.kvue.com/news/local/austin/suspect-in-target-shooting-had-extensive-criminal-history-mental-health-issues-police/2025/08/12/ [5] Austin American-Statesman, (2025, August 13). Suspect in Target shooting had extensive criminal history, mental health issues: Police. Retrieved from https://www.statesman.com/news/20250813/suspect-in-target-shooting-had-extensive-criminal-history-mental-health-issues-police
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