Austin police have identified the suspect in the Target shooting that resulted in three deaths.
A tragic incident unfolded on August 11, 2025, when a shooting outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, resulted in the death of three individuals, including a child. Authorities have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, who is now facing multiple serious charges.
According to a statement from the Austin Police Department, the shooting occurred around 2:15 PM in the store’s parking lot, where responding officers discovered three victims: a man, his 4-year-old granddaughter, and a Target employee, all fatally shot. By the time the police arrived on the scene, Nieneker had fled, subsequently stealing a vehicle from the initial victim. After crashing this stolen vehicle approximately 18 miles away, he continued his flight before eventually being apprehended by law enforcement.
In a post on social media, the Austin Police Department shared a mugshot of Nieneker, which displayed visible injuries, including bruises and cuts on his face. Current charges against him include capital murder stemming from a terroristic threat, capital murder involving a victim under the age of 10, and first-degree murder. Notably, Nieneker has a criminal history that includes a felony conviction for assaulting a family member in 2017.
The victims’ identities have not yet been released. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis remarked in a press conference that Nieneker has a documented history of mental health issues and has previously been placed on emergency holds, although further specifics were not disclosed. His prior arrests include a variety of offenses, such as driving while intoxicated and violating protective orders.
Investigators continue to explore the motive behind this unprovoked shooting. Authorities indicated that Nieneker appeared to have no prior connection to the victims, suggesting that the attack was random in nature. Due to the ongoing investigation, the parking lot of the Target store remained closed to customers until 10 PM the same day.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking event, many are seeking answers and justice for the victims of this heinous crime. The Austin Police Department continues to urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
For further updates on this developing story, individuals are encouraged to monitor local news sources.
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