Austin, TX — Police have identified the three people killed in a tragic shooting outside a Target store in North Austin, including a 4-year-old girl, her grandfather, and a store employee.
Victims and Circumstances of the Attack
According to the Austin Police Department, Adam Chow, 65, was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle outside the store on Monday, August 11, with his wife and granddaughter, Astrid Fung, in the backseat. Chow’s granddaughter was later identified through a verified online fundraiser.
Also killed was Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca, 24, an employee at the Target store who appeared to have been shot while collecting shopping carts in the parking lot.
“Officers determined that the suspect, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, ran up to the vehicle… shooting at him and into the backseat, fatally striking both him and his granddaughter,” police said in the release.
How the Incident Unfolded
After the initial gunfire, police said Chow’s wife, who suffered minor injuries, managed to carry her granddaughter from the car before Nieneker allegedly stole the vehicle and fled the scene.
Authorities believe Martinez Machuca was targeted first in the parking lot, and that Chow and his granddaughter were shot seconds later.
Key details from police reports:
- Martinez Machuca was likely performing normal work duties when struck.
- Chow’s wife was able to escape with the child after the attack but could not save her life.
Suspect Facing Multiple Murder Charges
Nieneker was later arrested and is facing multiple murder charges, including two counts of capital murder. Police have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the shootings.
“This was an unprovoked and senseless act of violence,” Austin police said.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
A GoFundMe fundraiser created for Chow’s family confirmed the young victim’s name as Astrid Fung and stated the funds will be used for funeral and memorial expenses.
“Thank you to everyone who has already shown up and contributed with meals and gift cards,” the organizer wrote. “To keep helping in the most useful way, we’re shifting that support here. This fund will go toward funeral and memorial expenses and whatever else they need in the weeks ahead.”
The deaths of Astrid, her grandfather, and Martinez Machuca have left the Austin community shaken, with many expressing grief and outrage over the violence.
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