Texas Target Shooting Leaves 2 Adults, Child Dead, Suspect Detained [WATCH]

Authorities have identified the suspect in Monday’s fatal shooting outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, as 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker.

Police released a mugshot showing Nieneker with visible injuries, including a gash beside one eye and multiple scratches on his face, as reported by The New York Post.

UPDATE: The suspect in yesterday’s triple homicide has been identified as Ethan Nieneker, White male, 32 years of age. pic.twitter.com/8fYjGGEuyq

— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) August 12, 2025

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Austin police say the incident began around 2:15 p.m. in the parking lot of a Target store just north of the city. Three people — two adults and one child — were killed.

One adult and the child were pronounced dead at the scene, while the second adult died after being transported to a hospital. A fourth person suffered unrelated injuries and was treated at the scene.

Investigators allege that Nieneker fled the scene in one of the victim’s vehicles, which he later crashed. Police say he then stole another vehicle from a Volkswagen dealership before being apprehended approximately 20 miles away in the southern part of Austin.

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Officers reportedly used a Taser during the arrest.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims, and a possible motive remains under investigation.

Police noted that Nieneker has a prior criminal record in Travis and Williamson counties, including charges for assault — family violence, criminal mischief, driving while intoxicated, and drug possession, according to Fox7 Austin.

AUSTIN MAN who killed 3 — including a child — in Monday’s Target parking lot shooting had a long, violent record in Travis & Williamson counties.

Ethan Blaine Nieneker’s Record:

TRAVIS COUNTY:
• 2016 felony assault (family violence, repeat offense) → reduced to misdemeanor,… pic.twitter.com/iu3KTNAhZ0

— Austin Justice (@AustinJustice) August 12, 2025

Nieneker is being held at the Travis County Jail on multiple murder charges. Police described him earlier as having a “mental health history.”

“This is a very sad day for Austin. It’s a very sad day for us all and my condolences go out to the families,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Monday.

AUSTIN TARGET SHOOTING: 3 DEAD, GUNMAN WITH VIOLENT CRIMINAL HISTORY ARRESTED

Austin Police identified the shooter as Ethan Blaine Nieneker, 32, who opened fire outside a Target store on Research Boulevard Monday afternoon, killing three people.

Nieneker fled in a stolen… https://t.co/XozTDvKkXk pic.twitter.com/yPY3EzgCG7

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 12, 2025

Target issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming it would provide grief counseling for employees. “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, our team in Austin and all those impacted by this tragedy,” the statement read.

Austin police said a news conference is planned to provide additional details as the investigation continues.

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