Adam Chow Killed in Austin, Texas Shooting – August 11, 2025

On August 11, 2025, a violent and unprovoked attack outside a Target store in Austin, Texas claimed the life of 65-year-old Adam Chow, his 4-year-old granddaughter Astrid, and a store employee, Hector Leopoldo Martinez Machuca. According to Austin Police, the alleged perpetrator, 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker, carried out the shootings in broad daylight, beginning with the fatal shooting of the employee before targeting the Chow family as they sat in their vehicle.

Adam Chow, described by his family as the "heart and steady backbone" of their household, was fatally shot alongside his granddaughter. His wife sustained minor injuries during the attack. Authorities stated the suspect offered no coherent motive, claiming instead that he was "Jesus" and had randomly selected his victims. The attack has been labeled by Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis as both "deliberate" and "senseless." Nieneker is in custody and faces multiple charges, including capital murder.