Man Charged With Three Counts of Second-Degree Murder After Triple Fatal Shooting at St. Paul Apartment Leasing Office
Published: July 21st, 2026.
SAINT PAUL: A man has been charged in Ramsey County with three counts of second-degree intentional murder after prosecutors allege he fatally shot three employees inside a St. Paul apartment leasing office following a dispute over a parking contract. A Ramsey County judge has set his bail at $10 million.
According to a criminal complaint, Tsegaab Ademassu Binessu is charged with one count of second-degree intentional murder for the death of each of the three victims. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison if convicted.
According to the complaint, St. Paul police responded at approximately 4:10 p.m. on July 20 to the apartment building at 1517 St. Paul Avenue after multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunshots and screams. Officers entered the leasing office and found AW, 43, DS, 56, and NGF-Z, 25, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators allege surveillance video captured Binessu inside the leasing office speaking with two employees before he allegedly drew a handgun from his waistband, chambered a round, and opened fire. According to the complaint, he allegedly shot AW multiple times before turning the weapon on DS. Prosecutors further allege he then walked into a back area of the office, where NGF-Z was shot while attempting to escape through an office window.
Police recovered 21 spent 9mm shell casings from the leasing office, according to the complaint.
The complaint alleges Binessu later called his roommate and admitted he had argued with apartment management before killing three people, telling the roommate he was walking to a police station. Investigators later arrested him in St. Louis County while he was allegedly driving NGF-Z's vehicle. Authorities say newly purchased camping gear was found inside the vehicle. At the time of his arrest, Binessu allegedly possessed his U.S. passport, Social Security card, an empty handgun magazine, and a permit to carry a firearm.
According to investigators, apartment staff told police Binessu had called earlier that day seeking to cancel a $65-per-month parking garage contract after selling his vehicle. Staff informed him he remained responsible for the recently renewed contract and that the decision could not be changed. Prosecutors allege he then went to the leasing office, where the shootings occurred.
During an interview with investigators, Binessu allegedly discussed frustrations with the U.S. immigration process, his divorce, separation from his family, financial stress, and his belief that he had been treated unfairly. He admitted going to the leasing office but did not explain what occurred there before requesting an attorney, according to the complaint.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner determined all three victims died from multiple gunshot wounds, and each death was ruled a homicide.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations. Binessu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.