A dispute over a $65 parking fee has led to a devastating shooting at an apartment complex in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving three property management employees dead and a community searching for answers.
Authorities have charged 30-year-old Tsegaab Binessu with three counts of second-degree murder after prosecutors alleged he entered the leasing office at Davern Park Apartments and opened fire following an argument over his parking agreement.
The victims were identified as Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 25, Dena Silcox, 56, and Adam Wilwerding, 43, all of whom worked for the company managing the apartment complex.
Authorities Detail Events Leading Up to Shooting
According to charging documents, Binessu had become frustrated after being told he could not cancel his recently renewed parking garage contract or receive a refund for the $65 monthly fee.
Police said Binessu called the leasing office earlier on Monday to request cancellation, but staff informed him that the agreement could not be terminated without payment obligations being fulfilled.
Investigators allege that Binessu responded by saying he would come to the leasing office personally to discuss the matter.
Later that afternoon, around 4 p.m., authorities said he arrived at the office and confronted employees before allegedly pulling out a firearm and shooting multiple victims.
Surveillance Footage Captures Deadly Attack
Investigators said security footage from inside the leasing office showed Binessu speaking with Wilwerding and Silcox before the situation suddenly escalated.
According to court documents, Binessu lifted his shirt, revealed a handgun and pointed it at the employees.
Wilwerding reportedly raised his hands in an attempt to protect himself before being shot multiple times.
Silcox then allegedly screamed and covered her ears before being struck by several gunshots.
Authorities said Zambrano was also killed while attempting to escape through an office window.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered all three victims dead from multiple gunshot wounds and recovered 21 spent shell casings inside the office.
Suspect Allegedly Blamed Personal Struggles
After his arrest, Binessu allegedly told authorities that he was disappointed with what he described as the “American system.”
Investigators said he complained about his unsuccessful efforts over several years to bring his wife and children from Ethiopia to the United States, claiming the separation contributed to the breakdown of his marriage.
Authorities also said Binessu claimed he had lost everything important in his life, including his family, business and peace of mind.
However, he reportedly did not confess to the killings, only admitting that he had gone to the leasing office and had an argument with staff members.
Arrest Made Hundreds of Miles Away
Following the shooting, police said Binessu left the area and was later arrested in Virginia, Minnesota, approximately 200 miles north of St. Paul.
Authorities said he was driving Zambrano’s vehicle when officers located him.
Inside the car, investigators allegedly found camping equipment, his US passport, Social Security card, an empty handgun magazine and his firearm carry permit.
Police also stated that Binessu was wearing clothing similar to what he appeared to be wearing in surveillance footage from the shooting.
A roommate who had lived with Binessu since 2018 reportedly told police that the suspect admitted he had gone to the leasing office, argued with management and killed three people before saying he was heading toward a police station.
The roommate also said Binessu had recently quit his job as a truck driver and had considered joining the US Navy.
Community Left Grieving After Workplace Tragedy
The deadly incident has shaken residents at Davern Park Apartments, many of whom described the victims as friendly and approachable members of the community.
Residents said they struggled to understand how a routine workplace dispute could lead to such violence.
Tracy Stevens, who has lived at the complex for years, described the tragedy as heartbreaking and questioned why such an event occurred.
Others remembered Zambrano, Silcox and Wilwerding as people who regularly helped residents and took time to speak with neighbors.
One resident described Zambrano as a kind person who often helped translate and assist others living at the complex.
Victims Remembered as Caring and Dedicated Workers
Silcox’s family and colleagues have paid tribute to the longtime property management employee, describing her as someone who treated others with patience and respect.
Her father, Bob Silcox, said his daughter had worked in property management for a decade and was skilled at handling difficult situations with people.
He called her death senseless and expressed disbelief that such violence could happen.
Friends and colleagues also shared messages honoring Silcox’s kindness, saying the tragedy highlighted the dangers faced by workers who provide services to the public.
Fundraisers Launched to Support Families
Following the tragedy, online fundraising campaigns were created to assist the families of the victims.
A fundraiser for Silcox’s children highlighted her positive influence on those around her and aimed to ease the financial burden on her family during their grieving process.
It had raised more than $11,500 shortly after being launched.
A separate campaign was established to help cover funeral expenses and support Zambrano’s family.
Organizers described her as someone who brought kindness and joy to those around her and worked hard to achieve her dreams.
The St. Paul community continues to mourn the loss of three people whose lives ended in a violent act authorities say began with a dispute over a parking payment.
