Authorities in Austin, Texas, have identified the victims of a tragic triple homicide that unfolded in broad daylight outside a Target store on Monday, August 11, 2025. According to police, the victims include a 4-year-old girl, her grandfather, and a Target employee—killed in what officials are calling an “unprovoked and deliberate attack.”

Austin Police say the suspect, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, began his rampage by fatally shooting Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, a Target worker who was collecting shopping carts in the parking lot. From there, investigators say Nieneker approached a family’s car, killing 4-year-old Astrid Chow and her grandfather, Adam Chow, before injuring Adam’s wife and stealing their vehicle.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the incident as “a senseless, deliberate act against innocent lives,” noting that it took place “in broad daylight” with no apparent motive. Sgt. Nathan Sexton told reporters that when questioned, Nieneker claimed he was “Jesus” and offered no rational explanation for his actions.

The Chow family, in a statement to ABC News, remembered Adam as “the heart and steady backbone of our family” and described Astrid—affectionately called “GongGong” by her grandfather—as “pure silliness and joy,” a little girl who “loved singing, dancing, and making us laugh.” The family said, “We are broken and miss them both so much.”

Following the murders, police allege that Nieneker fled in the stolen vehicle, causing multiple crashes, assaulting another female driver to steal her Volkswagen, attempting to break into a Waymo self-driving vehicle, and vandalizing the home of an acquaintance from a Bible study group. Officers ultimately located him naked, subdued him with a Taser, and took him into custody.

Authorities say Nieneker has a criminal history in Austin, including assault charges, DWI, and multiple mental health-related police contacts. “This man had some serious issues,” Chief Davis said. “There were some serious failures here.” Police confirmed that the firearm used in the attack was obtained through family members.

Nieneker now faces two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder.

In a statement, Target expressed devastation over the tragedy:

“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 grateful to the first responders who acted quickly at the scene and will continue to support our team with resources, including grief counseling.”

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the deadly rampage.

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