A 32-year-old Texas man, Ethan Nieneker, is currently in custody after a deadly shooting spree at a Target store, according to local law enforcement. Nieneker is facing charges of first-degree murder, capital murder by terror threat, and capital murder of a person under 10 years of age, as per Travis County court records.
The victims of the tragic incident were identified as Rosa Machuca, 24, Adam Chow, 65, and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter. All three were pronounced dead at the scene, while Chow’s wife suffered minor injuries. The Austin Police Department confirmed these details.
Nieneker later confessed to the crime in a series of disturbing statements about himself and the violent act. He allegedly told the police, “I killed a man and a baby girl today. In Target. In the Target parking lot. I shot them both, because I’m Jesus.”
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis revealed that Nieneker has a history of mental health issues. She also noted that his record of domestic violence-related allegations, with at least four incidents dating back to 2015, should have been a cause for concern. “This man had some serious issues,” Davis said during a press conference. “There were some serious failures here on behalf of, you know, many, when you’re looking at potentially some mental illness there.”
Despite his history, Nieneker claimed he did not have a mental health diagnosis, had not used drugs in the past week, and had not consumed alcohol in the past year. He allegedly justified his actions by saying, “I realized I was Jesus, and I had to grab my gun and shoot a couple of people to save us all.”
The shooting took place around 2:15 p.m. on Monday at a Target store on Research Boulevard in the northern part of the city. Nieneker was apprehended about an hour later, 25 miles south of the scene, after allegedly stealing two cars and assaulting other drivers.
Law enforcement was able to locate Nieneker after receiving two calls about a man, identified as Nieneker, causing disturbances on La Casa Drive. He was found naked and uncooperative, leading to his arrest after being tased by the police.
Nieneker allegedly confessed to his crimes, initially claiming he was not in control of his emotions or body, but later stating, “I was in control.” He also allegedly admitted that the gun used in the killings was given to him by a family member.
Currently, Nieneker is being held at the Travis County Correctional Complex on a $2.5 million bond. He has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation and is under mental health observation. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 29.