Austin Target shooting: Police identify triple homicide suspect, detail bizarre arrest

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Austin police identified the suspect in the triple homicide outside the Target retail store in North Austin, TX.

32-year-old Ethan Nieneker was in the nude in a nearby neighborhood when officers took him into custody.

Police say Nieneker has a history of assault family violence, criminal mischief, DWI and possession.

Nieneker has been charged with two counts of Capital Murder for the 4-year-old granddaughter and for Adam Chow. He has also been charged for the First-Degree Felony Murder of Mr. Martinez Machuca.

Police say that the investigation found that Nieneker randomly attacked Martinez Machuca, who was a Target employee, in the parking lot. Nieneker shot and killed Martinez Machuca while Martinez Machuca was collecting shopping carts.

Police say Nieneker then ran up to a gray Toyota 4-Runner where he shot Chow as he sat in the driver seat. He then fired into the backseat, striking Chow's 4-year-old granddaughter. Nieneker then stole the Toyota from the parking lot.

Nieneker attempted to steal a water truck, but failed, before running back to the stolen 4-Runner. He then crashed the stolen 4-Runner crashed into a Volkswagen. Nieneker ditched the 4-runner and carjacked the female driver of the Volkswagen.

A suspect matching Nieneker’s description tried to break into a Waymo vehicle and failed. He returned to the stolen Volkswagen and drove away.

Later in the afternoon, police received the call of a naked male walking through a backyard in a nearby neighborhood. Officers located Nieneker walking naked on a street, he was issued commands, did not comply, was tased and taken into custody.

Police also confirmed that Nieneker was holding a bible when he was taken into custody. Investigators did not elaborate on a motive, other than to say Nieneker claimed he was "Jesus."

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