Austin Target Shooting Suspect Arrested After Killing Three Including Child

Ethan Blane Nieneker, a 32-year-old man with a documented history of mental illness and a lengthy criminal record, is accused of fatally shooting three people at a Target store in North Austin, Texas. The attack occurred during the back-to-school shopping rush, with victims including a young child. After the shooting, Nieneker fled the scene by stealing a car, crashed it, then stole another vehicle before being apprehended by police using a Taser. Authorities have charged him with capital murder by terror threat, capital murder of a person under 10, and first-degree murder. Despite multiple past arrests for serious offenses including assault, family violence, DWI, and violations of protective orders, many charges against Nieneker were dismissed or resulted in short jail time. The shooting has deeply shocked the Austin community, prompting police to urge for unity and heightened awareness during this tragic time.