AUSTIN, Texas – Authorities have identified the suspect in Monday’s tragic triple homicide at a North Austin Target as 32-year-old Ethan Blane Nieneker, a man with a troubling criminal history that includes prior charges of assault family violence, criminal mischief, driving while intoxicated, and drug possession.
The shooting unfolded around 2:15 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at the Target store located at 8601 Research Boulevard. What began as an ordinary afternoon for shoppers and employees quickly turned into chaos and terror as gunfire erupted inside the store.
According to investigators, three people were fatally shot during the incident, one of whom was a child under the age of 10. Police say the nature of the attack and the choice of victims have left the community reeling.
After the shootings, Nieneker allegedly fled the store on foot and targeted a vehicle in the parking lot. Police believe one of the victims was the driver of that stolen car, making the crime scene stretch from inside the store to the surrounding area.
Following a swift and coordinated manhunt, law enforcement located and apprehended Nieneker. Online booking records show that he has been charged with:
- Capital murder by terror threat
- Capital murder of a person under 10 years of age
- First-degree murder
He is now being held at the Travis County Jail, where he awaits his first court appearance.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, citing the need to notify next of kin. However, police have confirmed that the attack appears to be targeted rather than random, though the exact motive has not been disclosed.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene, with shoppers scrambling for cover, employees rushing people to exits, and a wave of panic sweeping through the building. One witness told reporters they heard “at least half a dozen gunshots” before running to safety.
The incident has left Austin residents grappling with shock and grief. City officials and community leaders are calling for unity and support for the victims’ families, many of whom are now facing unimaginable loss.
The Austin Police Department has urged anyone with additional information or footage from the incident to come forward, stressing that even small details could help strengthen the ongoing investigation.
As the case develops, more questions remain about how Nieneker—who already had a violent criminal record—was able to carry out such a devastating attack. Authorities have promised a thorough review of his past encounters with law enforcement, as well as an in-depth look into what may have led up to Monday’s tragedy.
The community will gather later this week for a vigil to honor the three lives lost, a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for collective resilience in the face of violence.
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