Three Dead in Minnesota Shooting Over $65 Parking Fee; Elon Musk Attacks Media Coverage

Three people were shot dead at a St Paul, Minnesota, apartment leasing office on Monday after a dispute over a £50 ($65) monthly parking fee, according to court documents and investigators.

The suspect, 30-year-old Tsegaab Binessu, allegedly opened fire after being told he could not immediately cancel his garage contract, killing community manager Adam Wilwerding, 43, assistant manager Dena Silcox, 56, and 25-year-old Nansi Fuentes Zambrano.

Musk's Reaction

Elon Musk seized on the case on Thursday, posting on X that the 'lunatic left media' would 'ignore' the shooting and adding the caption, 'Enough is enough'.

The tech entrepreneur shared a post from commentator Collin Rugg about the killings, accusing mainstream outlets of silence over the triple homicide.

The billionaire's post, which has been viewed millions of times, quickly reignited debate over media coverage of violent crime.

A Disputed Contract and the Alleged Shooting

Court documents indicate the suspect, who had recently renewed his parking agreement, called the office to cancel it because he harboured aspirations of joining the Navy. When told the contract could not be voided, he allegedly informed staff he was coming downstairs.

What followed, according to investigators, was a fatal attack. The suspect allegedly shot Wilwerding six times before turning his weapon on Silcox, who was heard screaming on surveillance footage. According to investigators, she was struck by five bullets in rapid succession before a sixth and final shot sent her crashing to the floor.

Fuentes Zambrano was later discovered dead in a back room with a gunshot wound to the head, having, according to investigators, attempted to flee through a window. Investigators recovered 21 spent shell casings from the crime scene.

Arrest and Interrogation

Police apprehended the suspect in Virginia, Minnesota, roughly 200 miles from the crime scene, while he was driving Fuentes Zambrano's car. Prior to his capture, police said the suspect confessed to his roommate over the phone, admitting he had argued with management and killed three people.

During police interrogation, Binessu expressed deep resentment, stating he 'hated the American system' and felt he was treated unfairly because he is black and an immigrant.

The suspect claimed his life had unravelled over a seven-year struggle to bring his wife and children over from Ethiopia, an ordeal he blamed for his eventual divorce and his decision to quit his job as a truck driver.

He now faces three counts of second-degree murder, carrying a potential penalty of 40 years in prison for each victim, and appeared in court on Wednesday.

Community Grieves Three Victims

Tributes continue to pour in for the victims. Silcox was remembered by her father as a fabulous piano player, while her younger brother noted she had a fierce spirit.

Wilwerding was described by tenants as universally loved, with one resident, Ashley Chester, observing that the tragedy has forced the surviving community to become a family. The shooting resulted in the loss of three lives, leaving a grieving neighbourhood.

A small memorial has been set up outside the leasing office, with neighbours leaving flowers and notes.

Binessu is currently being held without bail. His next hearing is scheduled for next month. If found guilty at trial, he faces up to 120 years in prison.