Austin Target shooting suspect claimed he was Jesus, chose his victims — an employee, grandfather and 4-year-old granddaughter — at random
Share this @internewscast.com

The disturbed individual who allegedly opened fire in a Texas Target parking lot claimed to be Jesus and randomly targeted his three victims, identified Tuesday as a cart collector, a grandfather, and his 4-year-old granddaughter.

Ethan Nieneker, 32, went on the deadly rampage Monday afternoon in Austin, using a gun acquired from a family member to fatally shoot Target employee Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24, Adam Chow, 66, and Chow’s young granddaughter, the Austin Police Department announced Tuesday.

“He said that he was Jesus and there was no real reason whatsoever given,” Austin Homicide Detective Nathan Sexton stated regarding the accused mentally ill gunman’s violent spree.

“It was a completely random choosing of the victims.”

Police reported that the fatal chaos commenced around 2:15 p.m. Monday when Nieneker — who has a long record with the department — stormed the retail lot just north of Austin wearing a Hawaiian shirt, randomly targeting Machuca as the employee collected shopping carts.

The frenzied assailant then fired at a Jeep attempting to flee the gunfire before approaching a gray Toyota 4-Runner, where he fatally shot Chow, who was in the driver’s seat, and Chow’s granddaughter in the backseat.

The family members were both pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The Target employee was taken to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Chow’s wife was also injured in the heinous attack before Nieneker stole their car and fled at high speed from the store.

Nieneker later crashed the Toyota into a Volkswagen before stopping on top of an Infiniti SUV. He then assaulted the Volkswagen driver, hijacked the vehicle, and drove off, according to police.

He was eventually taken down with a Taser about 20 miles away in the city’ south end after throwing a brick through a friend’s house and wandering naked through a backyard, all of which was captured on video surveillance.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Sex trafficking has to be confronted

Urgent Action Required: Addressing the Crisis of Human Trafficking

Parents naturally want to ensure the safety of their children. However, an…
Northwestern University federal funding restored after school reaches deal with Trump administration, officials say

Northwestern University Secures Federal Funding Restoration Following Agreement with Trump Administration

Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, has successfully negotiated a deal with the…
Criminal networks exploit US interstates to make human trafficking victims vanish: ‘Real plague’

Uncovering the Hidden Highway: How Criminal Networks Exploit US Interstates for Human Trafficking

An alarming crisis is spreading across the nation’s roadways, leading to the…
Maduro brandishes sword at rally as he rails against 'imperialist aggression' amid rising tensions with US

Maduro’s Fiery Rally: Sword-Wielding Protest Against U.S. ‘Imperialist Aggression

Earlier this week in Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro delivered a bold…
2 National Guard members shot in an ambush attack blocks from the White House

Suspect in National Guard Shooting Charged with First-Degree Murder Following Death; Second Victim Remains Critical

The charges against a 29-year-old former CIA collaborator in Afghanistan have been…
'Jailhouse Karen' Bryan Kohberger complains about prison bananas after quadruple murder conviction: report

Convicted Murderer Bryan Kohberger Criticizes Prison Bananas Following Quadruple Homicide Verdict: Report

A convicted murderer, Bryan Kohberger, has recently made headlines for reportedly expressing…
Ukrainian official Yermak resigns as corruption probe encircles Zelenskyy

Ukrainian Official Steps Down Amid Intensifying Corruption Investigation Involving Zelenskyy Administration

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Andriy Yermak, the head of…
Knicks HC Mike Brown says benching Josh Hart was a mistake: ‘I was wrong’

Knicks Head Coach Mike Brown Admits Error in Benching Josh Hart: ‘I Was Wrong’

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown admitted to an error in…
Sophisticated porch pirate ring hacked shipment tracking info to steal hundreds of phones, prosecutor says

Tech-Savvy Thieves Exploit Tracking Data to Snatch Hundreds of Phones, Authorities Reveal

Prosecutors in New York have dismantled an intricate porch piracy network, wherein…
A Thanksgiving to remember: IHOP waitress gets $2,000 tip after man raises money on social media

Heartwarming Thanksgiving Surprise: IHOP Waitress Receives $2,000 Tip Thanks to Viral Social Media Campaign

“I was completely stunned,” shared server Ashley Cruz. “This feels like a…
New White House Media Bias Website Just Turned On the Floodlights

White House Launches Comprehensive Media Bias Website to Illuminate News Reporting

President Donald Trump, at his core, remains a marketing strategist. His sharp…
Russia outlaws Human Rights Watch as crackdown on dissent continues

Russia Bans Human Rights Watch: Escalating Clampdown on Free Speech and Dissent

On Friday, Russian authorities declared Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable organization.”…