An Ethiopian immigrant was taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly killing three individuals after a dispute over a $65 apartment parking contract. The man, Tsegab Bines, reportedly expressed frustration about the “American system” and racism, as stated in various reports.
Bines, aged 30, is accused of murdering 25-year-old Nanci Fuentes Zambrano, 56-year-old Dena Silcox, and 43-year-old Adam Wilwarding. The St. Paul Police Department in Minnesota confirmed these details.
The shootings occurred at a rental office within an apartment complex, following calls about gunfire. Bines’ roommate also notified the police, claiming that Bines had confessed to him about going to the office to discuss the contract prior to the shootings.
It appears that Bines recently left his job as a truck driver to enlist in the Navy and wished to cancel his parking contract.
Witnesses from the apartment staff reported that Bines had previously attempted to cancel his parking contract but was told it couldn’t be done since it was newly renewed. He had indicated a desire to speak with someone in person to resolve the situation.
The indictment mentions surveillance footage that captured Bines having a conversation with Silcox and Wilwarding, during which he pulled out a gun and fired six shots at each of the victims. The video reportedly shows him fleeing the scene, followed by the sound of the youngest victim’s screams and additional gunshots.
Bines was arrested approximately 100 miles away from the crime scene while driving the victims’ car. He had with him his passport, social security card, gun permit, and an empty magazine.
In his interactions with law enforcement, Bines criticized the “American system” and mentioned his struggles to bring his wife and children from Ethiopia, blaming his divorce on that effort. He claimed to have faced racial discrimination and unfair treatment, though he stopped short of confessing to the murders, only acknowledging that he had gone to the office concerning the contract.
“It’s really sad,” said one resident of the apartment complex. “We lost a good friend.” They recounted hearing the gunshots that day.
