Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow Death News; Austin police name three victims in Target store shooting.
Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, Adam Chow Death News – Austin police have publicly identified the three victims of Monday afternoon’s deadly shooting in a Target parking lot as 65-year-old Adam Chow, his 4-year-old granddaughter, and 24-year-old Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca.
Authorities say the suspected gunman, Ethan Nieneker, is facing two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder. The attack began around 2:15 p.m. at the Target store on Research Boulevard when Nieneker allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting Martinez Machuca, who had been gathering shopping carts. Police described the attack as random.
Nieneker then reportedly targeted a black Jeep Cherokee, firing at it as the driver attempted to flee. His next shots were aimed at a gray Toyota 4Runner, where Chow was in the driver’s seat. Police say Nieneker shot Chow and then fired into the backseat, striking the young child. The girl’s grandmother pulled her from the vehicle, but both Chow and the child were pronounced dead at the scene. The grandmother sustained minor injuries.
After the shooting, Nieneker allegedly stole the Toyota and left the parking lot. Minutes later, he is accused of assaulting a water truck driver in an attempt to steal the vehicle. By 2:25 p.m., he had crashed the stolen Toyota into multiple cars, assaulted a woman, and stolen her Volkswagen. Police also say he tried to break into a self-driving Waymo vehicle and later threw a brick through the window of someone he knew.
Around 3 p.m., officers found Nieneker walking naked on Montclaire Street. He allegedly ignored commands and was subdued with a stun gun before being taken into custody. His clothes were later located in a portable toilet nearby.
Martinez Machuca was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:01 p.m. Chow and his granddaughter were declared dead at 2:39 p.m. and 2:50 p.m., respectively. Investigators say the crime spree lasted less than an hour but spanned multiple locations across Austin.
The incident marks the city’s 39th, 40th, and 41st homicides of 2025. Police are appealing for any photos, videos, or witness accounts. Information can be provided to the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or anonymously through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or austincrimestoppers.org. A reward of up to \$1,000 may be available for tips that help secure an arrest.
