The maniac arrested for allegedly opening fire in the parking lot of a Target in Texas, killing two adults and a child, was identified Tuesday — as cops released his bruised and bloodied mugshot.
Ethan Nieneker, 32, is accused of gunning down the victims in Austin on Monday afternoon before making a dramatic getaway that involved two stolen cars and a police chase.
Nieneker, whom cops had earlier described as having a “mental health history,” ended up being detained with the help of a Taser on the other side of the city.
Ethan Nieneker allegedly killed two adults and a child in the parking lot of a Target in Austin, Texas. Austin Police Department
The location of the Target where the shooting occurred. Tam Nguyen / NYPost DesignHis mugshot showed blood oozing from a gash beside one of his eyes, as well as several scratches across his face.
Nieneker is being held in the Travis County Jail on a slew of murder charges.
He already has a lengthy rap sheet in Travis and Williamson counties — including for assault — family violence, criminal mischief, DWI and possession, Fox7 Austin reported.
A shooting at Target in Texas left three people dead including a child. Stephanie Tacy/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
The deadly saga unfolded when Nieneker allegedly stormed the Target parking lot just north of Austin around 2:15 p.m. Monday, cops said.
An adult and the child were pronounced dead at the scene, while the second adult died at the hospital, according to police.
Nieneker, shown here with a cat, is facing multiple murder charges. Facebook/Ethan NienekerA fourth victim, who suffered unrelated injuries, was treated at the scene.
Nieneker is accused of fleeing in one of the slain victims’ cars and crashing it soon after.
He allegedly hijacked another vehicle from a Volkswagen dealership before he ended up being detained some 20 miles away in the city’s south end, cops said.
Police work at the scene of the fatal shooting at Target on Research Parkway in Austin on August 11, 2025. APPolice haven’t released any details on the victims.
Investigators are also still probing a motive for the bloodshed and are planning to hold a news conference later Tuesday to provide an update.
“This is a very sad day for Austin. It’s a very sad day for us all and my condolences go out to the families,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said on Monday.
Suspect Ethan Nieneker is accused of opening fire at a Texas Target’s parking lot killing two adults and one child. Facebook/Ethan NienekerTarget, meanwhile, said it was “devastated” by the tragedy and would be providing grief counseling to its team.
“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, our team in Austin and all those impacted by this tragedy,” the company said in a statement.
