Tsegaab Binessu, a 30-year-old Ethiopian immigrant, has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder after a dispute over a £48 monthly parking fee turned deadly. The shooting occurred on July 20 at the leasing office of a Saint Paul apartment complex in Minnesota, USA.
According to a crime complaint, Binessu allegedly wanted to cancel his parking charge and argued with staff. CCTV footage reportedly shows him firing 12 shots at two workers, with four more shots heard on the recording. Three apartment workers were found dead at the scene with gunshot wounds.
Victims identified
The victims were identified by authorities as Dena Silcox, 56, Adam Wilwerding, 43, and Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 25. Silcox and Wilwerding were found on the floor in the office, while Zambrano's body was discovered at the back of the office, where she allegedly tried to escape through a window.
Police responded to multiple callers reporting gunshots and screams. Binessu was arrested on July 21 in Virginia, Minnesota, about 200 miles from the crime scene. At the time of arrest, he was allegedly driving Zambrano's vehicle after selling his own car before the crime.
Fundraisers and tributes
A GoFundMe started in Silcox's name described her as a 'vibrant soul'. A spokesperson for her family said: 'Her vibrant spirit brought joy to everyone who knew her, and her sudden and violent passing has left us all in shock. Dena's children, who meant the world to her, are facing this unimaginable time with bravery and love. It's essential they have the financial freedom to grieve without the added burden of overwhelming expenses.'
Zambrano's family also started a fundraiser for the 'beloved daughter, sister and aunt'. Her family said: 'We are heartbroken to share that Nansi G Fuentes Zambrano, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt to three wonderful children, and devoted girlfriend, was tragically murdered on Monday evening. Her warm heart touched everyone around her — her boyfriend, her friends, and all of her family members. Her kindness also reached the community where she lived and worked. We will never forget the love she shared with everyone, nor her precious, beautiful smile and contagious laughter.'
Details of the dispute
The crime complaint alleges that Binessu's roommate told police that Binessu had confessed to the shooting. The 30-year-old trucker was reportedly intent on joining the Navy and sold his car before attempting to cancel the monthly parking fee. Staff reportedly told police that the tenant had been informed over the phone that he could not cancel the fee because he had recently renewed it. Binessu said he would discuss the matter in person before the shooting occurred.
Following his arrest, Binessu allegedly told cops that he had become frustrated with the situation and admitted to heading to the office. He then allegedly asked for an attorney before speaking about what he did at the office. Binessu also allegedly felt he was being discriminated against due to being black and an immigrant, and spoke about the stress of not being able to bring his family over. He is now being held on a £7.4m ($10m) bond.
