A Minnesota man has been charged with fatally shooting three employees at his apartment complex’s leasing office after an argument over a parking garage contract, according to police.
Tsegaab Binessu, 30, faces three counts of second-degree murder in connection with the shooting that occurred Sunday at an apartment complex in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The victims were identified as Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 25, Adam Wilderwing, 43, and Dena Silcox, 56.
According to investigators, Binessu had contacted the leasing office earlier that day to cancel his parking garage agreement because he planned to sell his vehicle.
A leasing office employee told police that Binessu had recently renewed the contract and was informed that it could not be canceled immediately. After being told this, Binessu reportedly said he would come to the office to discuss the issue in person.
Police allege that when he arrived, he opened fire and killed the three employees.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Binessu’s roommate later contacted police and said Binessu confessed to the shootings.
The roommate told investigators that Binessu had quit his trucking job about two months earlier and intended to join the U.S. Navy. He also planned to sell his vehicle to CarMax and cancel the apartment’s parking contract, which reportedly cost him $65 per month.
The roommate believed Binessu was simply going to the leasing office to discuss the contract. However, after returning home, Binessu allegedly admitted he had argued with apartment management and killed three people before saying he planned to walk to the police station.
While officers were investigating the crime scene, Zambrano’s boyfriend approached police and reported that he believed she was one of the victims. He also informed officers that her 2017 Chrysler 300 was missing.
Investigators said surveillance cameras inside the leasing office captured the shooting.
According to police, Adam Wilderwing was sitting behind a desk speaking with Binessu when the suspect allegedly lifted his shirt, removed a handgun from his waistband, and chambered a round.
Authorities said Wilderwing raised his hands before Binessu allegedly shot him three times. After Wilderwing fell to the ground, investigators say Binessu fired three additional shots at him.
Police allege Binessu then turned toward Dena Silcox, who could reportedly be heard pleading before she was shot five times. Investigators also said Binessu insulted her before walking down a hallway and out of the camera’s view.
Moments later, officers reviewing the surveillance footage heard a woman screaming, followed by four additional gunshots.
Police believe Nansi Fuentes Zambrano was attempting to escape through a window when she was shot.
Crime scene investigators recovered 21 spent 9 mm shell casings from the leasing office.
Binessu was arrested the following night while driving Zambrano’s vehicle.
According to police, officers found his U.S. passport, Social Security card, an empty firearm magazine, and a permit to carry a firearm in his possession.
Following his arrest, investigators said Binessu spoke about frustrations with the American immigration system, claiming the lengthy process prevented him from bringing his former wife and children from Ethiopia to the United States for the past seven years. He reportedly told detectives he had lost his family, business, and peace of mind.
When detectives questioned him about the shooting, Binessu requested an attorney, and the interview ended.
He remains in custody at the Ramsey County Jail on three counts of second-degree murder. His initial court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday.
The case remains under investigation. The charges are allegations, and Binessu is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
