Migrant Allegedly Executes 3 Minnesota Workers Over Parking Dispute

Three employees at a Minnesota apartment complex were shot dead by a disgruntled tenant following a dispute over a parking contract cancellation, with the alleged killer later blaming what he called unfair treatment under the American immigration system.

Tsegaab Binessu, a 30-year-old Ethiopian migrant, has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder after allegedly executing the staff members at the St. Paul apartment complex where he resided, according to Chris Bradford writing in New York Post.

The victims have been identified as Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 25, Dena Silcox, 56, and Adam Wilwerding, 43, who were working in the leasing office when the attack occurred Monday.

Parking Contract Dispute Preceded Deadly Shooting

According to court documents, Binessu had contacted the office seeking to terminate his $65 monthly parking garage agreement, citing plans to enlist in the Navy. Staff informed him that cancellation was not permitted immediately after his recent contract renewal.

Shortly after that telephone conversation, Binessu arrived at the leasing office and allegedly opened fire on the three workers. Wilwerding, who served as community manager and was known as AJ, was shot six times, court records indicate.

Silcox, the assistant manager who had worked at the complex for nearly ten years, was shot five times in rapid succession before a sixth bullet sent her to the floor. Surveillance audio captured screaming during the attack.

Fuentes Zambrano was discovered dead in a back office room, having been shot in the head while apparently attempting to flee through a window. Investigators recovered 21 spent shell casings from the crime scene.

Suspect Arrested 200 Miles Away Driving Victim’s Vehicle

Binessu was apprehended in Virginia, Minnesota, approximately 200 miles from St. Paul, while driving Fuentes Zambrano’s car. He had allegedly confessed to the killings during a phone call with his roommate, who subsequently contacted authorities.

During police interrogation, Binessu complained about the American system and blamed bureaucratic obstacles for preventing him from bringing his wife and children from Ethiopia for seven years. He claimed this immigration ordeal contributed to his divorce.

According to court documents, Binessu expressed belief that he had been treated unfairly due to his race and immigration status, stating he had lost everything meaningful to him including his family, business, and peace of mind. He told investigators he had recently quit his truck driving job due to stress.

Despite these statements, Binessu declined to provide details about what transpired inside the leasing office.

Victims Remembered as Community Pillars

The three victims were honored at a Tuesday evening vigil attended by residents and loved ones. Silcox’s father Robert described his daughter as a talented piano player, while her brother Erik said she possessed a fierce determination.

Friends of Fuentes Zambrano expressed devastation at her loss, while residents praised Wilwerding’s dedication to the community. One tenant, Ashley Chester, noted that the longevity of resident tenure testified to the quality of the staff.

Binessu faces 40 years imprisonment for each murder count and was scheduled to make a court appearance Wednesday.

With information from New York Post