Austin Target Triple Homicide: Suspect’s Troubled Past and Mental Health Issues Emerge

New details have emerged regarding Ethan Nieneker, the 32-year-old suspect accused in Monday’s fatal triple shooting at a North Austin Target parking lot. Police statements and court records reveal Nieneker had an extensive history of mental health issues and frequent encounters with law enforcement dating back to at least 2012.

Nieneker is charged with two counts of capital murder and one count of first-degree felony murder following the deaths of Adam Chow, his 4-year-old granddaughter, and Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca. Authorities confirmed the victims were chosen at random.

Court records indicate Nieneker served jail time in 2016 and 2017 for family violence, driving while intoxicated, and bond violations. Other family violence charges were dismissed, including one in 2019 due to the victim being unreachable. He also faced charges for marijuana possession and vandalism.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis commented on Monday that Nieneker had previously been held under emergency detention, a measure for individuals posing an “imminent, substantial risk of serious harm to self or others.” Chief Davis stated there were “some serious failures” within the mental health system concerning this case.

A former coworker described a concerning change in Nieneker’s behavior just days before the shooting, noting he exhibited manic tendencies, rambling about a “revelation” and feeling “chosen” after not eating for several days in an attempt to connect with a “higher power.” The investigation is ongoing, with police examining whether the suspect was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.

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