The quiet neighborhood of Highland Park in St. Paul was shattered by a tragic event on Monday, July 20, 2026. A tenant at an apartment complex was arrested and charged with the murder of three individuals following a dispute over a garage rental.
The shooting occurred in the leasing office of the apartment complex near the intersection of St. Paul Avenue and West Seventh Street. The victims were identified as 25-year-old Nansi Fuentes Zambrano, 56-year-old Dena Silcox, and 43-year-old Adam Wilwerding. The suspect, 30-year-old Tsegaab Binessu, was taken into custody by deputies in the Iron Range on Monday night and formally charged the following afternoon.
The Events Leading Up to the Tragedy
According to charging documents Binessu’s roommate called the police after Binessu confessed to him that he had argued with the apartment management and ended up killing three people. The roommate also mentioned that Binessu had quit his job as a trucker two months prior and planned to enlist in the Navy. As part of his preparations, Binessu intended to sell his car and cancel his $65 per month parking garage contract.
Apartment staff informed police that Binessu had called earlier to cancel his parking contract but was told he could not get out of paying it after recently renewing it. This led to a heated argument, with Binessu stating he would come to the office to discuss the matter in person.
The Shooting and Aftermath
Surveillance video from the apartment office captured the chilling moments leading up to the shooting. The footage showed Silcox and Wilwerding talking to Binessu when he suddenly lifted his shirt, pulled out a gun, and pointed it at them. Binessu then allegedly shot Wilwerding six times and Silcox six times. Before the camera feed ended, Binessu walked down a hallway, out of view, and a scream was heard followed by four more gunshots. A total of 21 spent casings were recovered in the office.
Binessu was later arrested while driving Zambrano’s car. During an interview with police, Binessu expressed frustration with the American system citing his unsuccessful attempts to bring his wife and kids from Ethiopia over seven years and blaming the system for his divorce. He also believed he was treated unfairly due to his race and immigration history.
Community Reaction and Support
The community of Highland Park is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. Residents have expressed a mix of cautious relief at the arrest of the suspect, grief over the loss of people they knew for years, and frustration at the unanswered questions surrounding the incident.
Tracy Stevens, a resident who has lived in the apartments for the last seven years, shared her experience of returning home to find police officers with guns drawn. She later learned that she knew the three victims who had lost their lives. Hayen Erickson, another resident, stopped by to contribute to a makeshift memorial outside the leasing office, expressing his respect and sorrow.
Many residents are now questioning why this had to happen and are considering moving out of the neighborhood. The loss has left a heavy weight on the community, with everyone scouring their memories for any clues that could have changed the outcome.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi released a statement expressing the community’s shock and gratitude to the Saint Paul Police Department for their quick work in bringing the suspect into custody. The community is united in seeking justice for the victims and holding the accused accountable.
