A triple homicide at an apartment complex in St. Paul, Minnesota, has sent shockwaves across the United States. A 30-year-old man, Chaggaam Binesu — originally from Ethiopia — is accused of fatally shooting three employees following a dispute over canceling his $65-per-month garage lease. Binesu reportedly wanted to terminate the agreement because he planned to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Lease Dispute Escalates to Violence
After contacting the property management office, Binesu was informed he could not cancel the lease because it had just been renewed. According to court documents, he then told staff he would be coming to the leasing office — and shortly afterward, opened fire on the employees there.
Prosecutors say Binesu shot Adam Willwerding, the complex’s manager, six times, and fired another six shots at assistant manager Dina Silkox. Witnesses reported Silkox shouting “No, no!” as she saw her colleague fall — moments before she too was struck repeatedly.
The third victim, 25-year-old Nancy Fuentez Zambrano, attempted to flee through a rear window but was fatally shot in the head. Police recovered 21 shell casings at the scene.
Arrest and Confession
Binesu was arrested hours later in Virginia, Minnesota — about 200 miles from the crime scene — while driving a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Authorities say he first called his roommate and confessed to killing three people after a heated argument with management.
During questioning, Binesu reportedly stated he “hates the American system,” citing a seven-year struggle to bring his wife and children from Ethiopia to the U.S.
He now faces three counts of second-degree murder. If convicted, he could receive up to 40 years in prison for each count.