A Minnesota man allegedly shot and killed three apartment complex employees in their leasing office after they refused to cancel his $65-per-month parking contract, according to court documents. The triple homicide occurred following a phone call where staff explained he could not terminate the agreement shortly after renewing it.

The Deadly Office Rampage

Tsegaab Binessu allegedly entered the leasing office shortly after his phone conversation with staff and opened fire on three employees. Community manager AJ Wilwerding was shot six times, while assistant manager Dena Silcox, who had worked at the property for nearly a decade, was also shot six times after reportedly screaming in horror as Wilwerding was killed. Maintenance worker Gabriela Fuentes Zambrano was discovered dead in a back office room, shot in the head as she attempted to escape through a window.

Investigators recovered 21 spent shell casings from the crime scene. Surveillance footage captured the sounds of screaming followed by additional gunfire. Binessu was arrested approximately 200 miles from the scene in Virginia, Minnesota, driving the stolen vehicle belonging to victim Fuentes Zambrano. He allegedly confessed to the killings during a phone call with his roommate, who subsequently contacted authorities.

Suspect’s Claimed Motivations

During police interrogation, Binessu expressed frustration with what he called the American system, stating he had spent seven years attempting to bring his wife and children from Ethiopia to the United States. He told investigators the prolonged immigration process contributed to his divorce and that he had lost his job as a truck driver due to stress. Court documents indicate Binessu believed he was treated unfairly because of his race and immigrant status, claiming he had lost everything including his family, business, and peace of mind.

Despite discussing his personal grievances at length, Binessu refused to provide details about what transpired inside the leasing office during the shooting. He has been charged with second-degree murder and faces 40 years in prison for each count. His court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.

Community Mourns Three Lives Lost

Residents and friends have organized fundraisers and vigils for the victims. Silcox is remembered for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her children, while Fuentes Zambrano’s friend said she deserved far more than the tragic end she received. Tenant Ashley Chester described all three victims as genuinely good people who were beloved by residents, many of whom had lived at the complex for years. The community has vowed to stay united as they process the senseless violence that claimed three innocent lives over a routine parking contract dispute.