Man claiming to be Jesus kills girl in Target shooting
A routine Monday at a north Austin Target turned deadly on August 11 when 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker opened fire in the parking lot, killing three and injuring one.
Victims included Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24; Adam Chow, 65; and Chow’s 4-year-old granddaughter, Astrid Fung. Chow’s wife, Doris, survived.
Police Chief Lisa Davis called it an “unprovoked and deliberate attack” on “innocent lives in broad daylight.”
Police say the violence began at 2:15 p.m. when Nieneker shot Machuca, then fatally shot Chow and Fung before stealing their vehicle. He then went on a destructive spree—crashing into cars, assaulting drivers, and attempting carjackings.
Witness Chris Ferran told KGNS News, “I chased him down and called 911… I got my daughters out of there.” Nieneker was arrested at 3:06 p.m. after being found naked in a residential area.
Sgt. Nathan Sexton said the attack was random, adding Nieneker claimed “he was Jesus.” The investigation continues.
