Police say 30-year-old Tsegaab Binessu has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder after three leasing-office employees were found shot to death on July 20 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Victims Dena Silcox (56), Adam Wilwerding (43) and Nansi Fuentes Zambrano (25) were discovered in the leasing office after multiple 911 calls. Authorities allege the dispute began when Binessu attempted to cancel a $65 monthly parking contract he had recently renewed; he was arrested the next day and is being held on $10 million bond. The complaints and surveillance footage form the basis of the charges; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Man Charged With Killing Three Apartment Workers After Dispute Over $65 Monthly Parking Fee
Dena Silcox; Nansi Fuentes Zambrano; Adam WilwerdingCredit: Dena Silcox/Facebook; Nansi Fuentes/Facebook; Adam Wilwerding/Facebook
A 30-year-old man has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder after authorities say three employees were found shot dead in the leasing office of a Saint Paul, Minnesota, apartment complex following a dispute over a $65 monthly garage parking contract.
What Happened
Police say officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots and screams just after 4 p.m. on Monday, July 20. Inside the complex's leasing office they discovered three employees with gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Dena Silcox, 56; Adam Wilwerding, 43; and Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 25.
Allegations From The Complaint
According to a criminal complaint, surveillance footage allegedly shows the suspect, identified as Tsegaab Binessu, enter the leasing office and fire multiple shots. The complaint says video captured him firing at Wilwerding and Silcox and that additional shots and the sound of a woman screaming were heard in the footage when Fuentes Zambrano was killed attempting to flee toward a window.
Tsegaab BinessuCredit: Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
Investigators allege Binessu confronted apartment staff after being told he could not cancel a parking contract he had recently renewed. A roommate reportedly called police saying Binessu had confessed to the shooting. The complaint also includes statements that Binessu felt stressed about immigration issues and unable to bring family members from Ethiopia to the United States.
Arrest And Charges
Authorities say Binessu was arrested the next day, July 21, in Virginia, Minnesota — roughly 200 miles north of Saint Paul — while driving one of the victim’s vehicles. He has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder and is being held on $10 million bond. It was not immediately clear whether he had entered a plea or retained legal counsel.
Community Reaction
Friends, neighbors and online fundraisers remembered the victims for their kindness and community ties. GoFundMe pages described Silcox as a "vibrant spirit," Fuentes Zambrano as a devoted daughter and aunt, and commenters recalled Wilwerding as a caring property manager.
Note: All statements in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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