Man faces new charges in Texas Target parking lot shooting
Share and Follow

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) The man accused of killing three people on Aug. 11 in the parking lot of a north Austin shopping center is facing additional charges, according to Travis County court records.

Ethan Nieneker, 32, already faced charges of Capital Murder by Terror Threat, Capital Murder of a person under 10, and first-degree murder. Nieneker is now facing a total of eight charges, including attempted murder and aggravated robbery, records state.

An August 12 mugshot of Ethan Nieneker, provided by Austin Police.

Police previously identified the victims as 24-year-old Target employee Rosa Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow, 66, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter.

affiliate KXAN previously reached out to Nienecker’s attorney for additional information and to request a comment on the charges. This story will be updated when we receive a response.

Timeline

2:15 p.m.

Just after 2 p.m., the Austin Police Department responded to a shooting at the Target located at 8601 Research Blvd.

According to police, officers found three people with gunshot wounds in the parking lot. The shooting did not occur inside the store, APD said. A fourth person was treated for unrelated injuries, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.

When detectives arrived at the Target, they found 40 fired cartridge cases, according the arrest warrant affidavit. 

Nieneker stole a gray Toyota 4-Runner and fled the scene, according to APD.

  • emergency personnel in parking lot
  • emergency personnel in parking lot
  • emwergency personnel in parking lot

2:20 p.m.

APD said Nieneker found a water truck parked alongside the 7800 block of Mopac Expressway around 2:20 p.m. and “repeatedly assaulted the driver before pushing him out of the vehicle.”

Nieneker attempted to put the truck into drive but couldn’t, then jumped out of the truck and chased a male with a pistol in his hand before running back to the stolen 4-Runner and driving off, according to APD.

2:25 p.m.

At approximately 2:25 p.m., APD received a call reporting a multiple-vehicle crash. According to APD, Nieneker crashed the 4-Runner into a Volkswagen before landing on top of an Infiniti SUV.

APD said Nieneker exited the vehicle and went over to the Volkswagen, opened the door and “repeatedly assaulted the female driver of the Volkswagen” before pushing her out and stealing the Volkswagen and fleeing the scene.

KXAN was at that scene, off the frontage road between Executive Center Drive and Anderson Lane, where a black SUV had crashed into several parked vehicles and was resting on top of another.

2:34 p.m.

APD said a suspect matching Nieneker’s description exited the stolen Volkswagen and went up to a Waymo vehicle and attempted to break into it around 2:34 p.m. It did not work, so Nieneker returned to the stolen Volkswagen and drove away.

2:37 p.m.

An “acquaintance” who knew Nieneker through bible study reported that Nieneker had thrown a brick through his residence in the 2100 block of La Casa Drive. 

Ethan told police he went to a friend’s house. He said when that friend did not let him inside, Nieneker broke their window, according to documents.

Around 3 p.m.

At 2:58 p.m., APD got a call about a naked male walking through a backyard in the 2400 block of La Casa Drive.

APD said Nieneker was seen running into a porta-potty and then leaving on foot.

Officers located Nieneker walking naked on Montclaire Street and issued commands. APD said Nieneker did not comply, so he was tased and taken into custody at 3:06 p.m. 

Officers checked the area and found clothing in the porta-potty that matched the description of what Nieneker was previously wearing.

Ethan told police the reason he undressed in the porta-potty was not to conceal evidence, but to “put things he loved in a disgusting place,” according to the arrest warrant affidavit. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chilling discovery after doctor's wife and two children are killed

Tragic Triple Homicide: Shocking Details Emerge in Doctor’s Family Murder Case

A disturbing revelation has surfaced amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic…
Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming posts emotional essay on holidays

Emma Heming Willis Shares Heartfelt Holiday Reflections in Emotional Essay

Emma Heming, the wife of Bruce Willis, has shared how her perspective…
Charlatans like Kimmel, Fuentes have something in common — rage bait

Unmasking the Rage Bait: What Connects Charlatans Kimmel and Fuentes?

What could possibly link late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and controversial streamer Nick…
Chicago shootings: At least 6 shot, 1 fatally, in Christmas gun violence, police department says

Tragic Christmas in Chicago: Gun Violence Claims Lives Amid Festive Season

CHICAGO — On Christmas night, a series of shootings in Chicago resulted…
California migrant truckers suing state DMV over canceled commercial drivers licenses

California Migrant Truckers Challenge DMV: Legal Battle Over Revoked Commercial Licenses

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is currently embroiled in a…
Travis Kelce addresses retirement ahead of potential last dance

Travis Kelce Contemplates Retirement: NFL Star Hints at Final Season with Potential ‘Last Dance

Travis Kelce has left the door open for the possibility of retiring…
UPS plane crash in Louisville claims 15th victim weeks after fiery takeoff failure

Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville: 15th Victim Succumbs Weeks After Catastrophic Takeoff Incident

NTSB releases preliminary report on UPS plane crash Charley Pereira, a former…
Taylor Swift spreads Christmas cheer at Travis Kelce's Chiefs game

Taylor Swift Lights Up Chiefs Game with Holiday Spirit and Travis Kelce Romance

In a festive display of support, Taylor Swift was seen at Arrowhead…