Affidavit Reveals Timeline of Austin Target Shooting That Left 3 Dead

Recently acquired court documents reveal details about the tragic shooting that occurred on August 11 at a North Austin Target, resulting in three fatalities and triggering a wave of violent carjackings and assaults throughout the city.

Ethan Nieneker faces a series of serious charges, including capital murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and aggravated assault, according to an affidavit. Authorities report that Nieneker shot and killed three individuals in the Target parking lot before escaping in a stolen SUV and trying to carjack several more vehicles.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., a call was made to law enforcement regarding gunfire at the Target located on Research Boulevard close to Ohlen Road, marking the onset of the violent incident. Authorities report that Nieneker initially fired at 24-year-old Rosa Machuca, who was working as a Target employee gathering shopping carts. In a dramatic turn of events, he reportedly discharged his weapon at a Jeep Cherokee while the driver attempted to flee the scene.

Authorities report that Nieneker subsequently aimed his firearm at 65-year-old Adam Chow, fatally shooting him while he was seated in a Toyota 4Runner. In a tragic turn of events, Chow's four-year-old granddaughter lost her life in the back seat, while Chow's wife suffered minor injuries. As she lifted the child from the vehicle, Nieneker reportedly pushed her aside and accelerated away in the 4Runner.

Shortly after, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Nieneker was said to have tried to take a water truck from a construction site in the vicinity. In a shocking turn of events, surveillance footage reveals a man violently assaulting one worker with a punch while brandishing a firearm at another before making a hasty escape in a stolen SUV.

The chaos escalated as the 4Runner struck several vehicles, ultimately coming to rest atop an Infiniti SUV. Nieneker is accused of attacking the driver of a Volkswagen linked to the accident and taking the car. Shortly thereafter, he attempted to infiltrate a Waymo autonomous vehicle, but his efforts were in vain.

At 2:37 p.m., a South Austin resident contacted the police, reporting that Nieneker, a familiar face from Bible study, had hurled a brick through his window. Surprisingly, eyewitnesses reported seeing an unclothed individual running through the nearby properties.

Officers discovered Nieneker strolling naked down Montclaire Street at 3:06 p.m. In a tense encounter, authorities deployed a Taser to bring the individual under control after he disregarded their commands. He later confessed to the shootings and claimed to be Jesus, according to court records.

Authorities confront Nieneker with a series of serious charges, including capital murder, first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and robbery. He is currently in custody after undergoing evaluation at a hospital in South Austin.

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