An African immigrant, frustrated over his inability to terminate a $65 monthly parking contract, is suspected of fatally shooting three property managers at a Minnesota apartment complex, according to authorities.
Tsegab Ademas Bines, 30, faces three counts of second-degree intentional homicide following the deaths of Nanci G. Fuentes Zambrano, 25, Dena M. Silcox, 56, and Adam J. Wilwarding, 43, which occurred at the St. Paul complex on Monday, as outlined in court documents.
The incident reportedly began when Bines, originally from Ethiopia, attempted to cancel his parking contract after selling his car. Despite a recent renewal, he was told he couldn’t cancel it. He planned to confront management directly, prosecutors indicated.
Upon his arrival at the management office, Bines allegedly opened fire, killing all three individuals. Police later discovered 21 shell casings in the rental office.
A man who identified himself as Bines’ roommate since 2018 contacted the police shortly after the shooting, claiming that Bines had confessed to the murders while walking to the police station. Bines, who had aspirations of joining the U.S. Navy, reportedly mentioned this during their conversation.
The roommate shared additional details, noting that Bines had quit his truck driving job two months prior and sold his car on the same day as the shooting.
According to the roommate, Bines had argued with the apartment manager before committing the acts.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage that showed Bines speaking with Silcox and Wilwarding. At some point, he reportedly lifted his shirt, brandished a gun, and fired multiple shots at Wilwarding, who was defenseless. Despite Wilwarding falling to the ground, Bines continued shooting.
Silcox, reacting in horror, screamed in disbelief as the violence unfolded. Documents state Bines shot her multiple times while she attempted to push back from her desk.
Afterward, Bines walked around the office and could be heard saying “Mom…” on the footage. He subsequently moved into a hallway where he was out of camera view, followed by hearing a woman’s screams and several more gunshots.
Prosecutors noted that Bines was apprehended while driving Fuentes-Zambrano’s car, which had camping gear inside. In the vehicle, authorities discovered his passport, Social Security card, an empty handgun magazine, and a firearms license.
During questioning, Bines expressed frustration with the lengthy immigration process and the separation from his wife and children, claiming it had contributed to his divorce. He mentioned feeling that he had lost everything important to him, saying life without his family had become senseless.
He remains in police custody.
