SerpApi.Org
Prosecutors have charged a St. Paul, Minnesota, man with three counts of second-degree murder in Ramsey County District Court. According to prosecutors, he shot and killed three apartment leasing office employees following a dispute over a $65 per-month parking garage contract. The killings happened on July 20 at Davern Park Apartments in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood.
Surveillance Video Details Deadly Attack
According to reports, Tsegaab Binessu, 31, was arrested late at night on July 20 in Virginia, Minnesota, after authorities found him driving a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Prosecutors allege Binessu killed Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 25, Dena Silcox, 56, and Adam Wilwerding, 43.
Police responded to the apartment complex near Seventh Street West and St. Paul Avenue around 4:10 p.m. after receiving reports of gunshots and screams. Officers found Silcox and Wilwerding dead inside the leasing office, while they found Fuentes Zambrano in the back of the office. The complaint states she appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when she was shot. Police also recovered 21 spent shell casings from inside the office.
According to the filing, surveillance footage showed Wilwerding speaking with Binessu when he allegedly pulled out a handgun from his waistband. The complaint states Wilwerding raised his hands before being shot multiple times. Prosecutors allege Binessu then walked to Silcox’s side of the desk and shot her several times.
Binessu then walked through the office and made a threatening remark before leaving the area. The alleged shooting of Fuentes Zambrano was not captured on video, but investigators reported hearing screams followed by additional gunshots.
Suspect Allegedly Discussed Shooting After Dispute
According to prosecutors, Binessu had contacted apartment staff earlier on the day of the shooting to cancel a $65-per-month parking garage contract. Staff members allegedly told him he could not end the agreement because he had recently renewed it. Later, Binessu told the employee he would come to the leasing office to discuss the issue in person. The employee allegedly told him the decision would remain the same.
A roommate, who had lived with Binessu since 2018, later told police that Binessu admitted involvement in the shooting. The roommate told investigators Binessu recently quit his job as a truck driver with plans to join the Navy.
After the shooting, Binessu allegedly drove to northern Minnesota, where he was arrested. Investigators said they found camping gear, his U.S. passport, Social Security card, permit to carry, and an empty handgun magazine in the vehicle.
After his arrest, Binessu discussed his frustrations over his immigration process, separation from his family, and problems he believed he faced with his apartment management. According to the complaint, Binessu also admitted he went to the leasing office after speaking with an employee about the parking contract.
Binessu remains charged in the case, though the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
