Month: July 2026

By Cole Premo, Ubah Ali, Jason Rantala

Click here for updates on this story

    ST. PAUL, Minnesota (WCCO) — A 30-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, man is accused of executing three people inside a leasing office Monday over a parking garage contract dispute.

According to charges filed in Ramsey County, officers were called to the Davern Park Apartments on the 1500 block of St. Paul Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. after several people reported gunshots and screams. One caller said two people appeared to be critically wounded inside the apartment leasing office.

When officers arrived, they found three victims fatally shot. The three victims were identified by the medical examiner Tuesday morning as 25-year-old Nansi Fuentes Zambrano of Inver Grove Heights, 56-year-old Dena Silcox of St. Paul and 43-year-old Adam Wilwerding of Oakdale.

Wilwerding and Silcox were found in the front area of the leasing office, and Zambrano was found in the back area.

Officers recovered 21 9mm bullet casings in the office, police said.

A man called police to report that his roommate, Tsegaab Ademassu Binessu, had confessed to the shooting, police said.

In an interview with police, Binessu said he had recently sold his car because he was planning to join the military, according to police. He said he tried to get out of his garage parking contract, but the leasing office told him it can’t be changed. Binessu admitted to then going to the leasing office, “but did not explain what happened there,” the complaint said.

Surveillance video shows Binessu speaking with Wilwerding before he pulled out a gun and shot him multiple times, police said. He then can be seen shooting Silcox multiple times, the complaint said. He then headed out of camera view, down a hallway, before more gunshots were heard.

Police say Binessu was arrested later that night in Virginia, Minnesota — about 200 miles north of St. Paul — while driving Zambrano’s vehicle. In the vehicle, he had what appeared to be newly purchased camping gear, his U.S. passport, Social Security card, an empty handgun magazine and a permit to carry a firearm, according to police.

Binessu faces three felony counts of second-degree murder.

He made his first court appearance Wednesday morning, where the judge ordered him to stay behind bars until his trial date in mid-August.

Neighbors say they’re still coming to grips with the shocking loss of three lives. Traci Stevens says she knew the victims, all of whom worked at the complex.

“I can’t believe it at all, and I probably won’t understand,” Stevens said. “I just hope they have the right individual, because if not we’ve still got a murderer out running around.”

Stevens says she’s never seen anything close to a crime like this in the seven years she’s lived in the complex.

“It’s sad, it’s so sad,” she said.

A neighbor who wanted to stay anonymous says people who live near the leasing office heard arguments, screaming and then several gunshots.

“I feel very sad last night. I didn’t sleep the whole time. I was shocked. I feel sad because think about this, every family is our family,” the neighbor said.

Tuesday evening, residents and family members came together with flowers, candles and prayers.

The gathering was filled with grief but also happy memories of the people who were killed.

A tree outside the leasing office has a photo of Silcox on it, right next to it, Mountain Dew, something her family says she loved.

Her family remembered her as an incredible daughter, mother and sister. Her father, Bob Silcox, describes her as perfect and someone who brought love to everyone around her.

Bob Silcox said his daughter worked for the company for about 10 years and was loved by her coworkers.

“She was able to manage with people she had problems with, but evidently not this one,” he said. “This is senseless.”

Friends of Zambrano remember her laughter, incredible dance moves and the joy she brought into their lives.

“She loved me singing to her, always dancing,” smiled Estreya Velazquez. “We just think about her; to me she is just beautiful inside and out.”

Suzy Post remembers her brother, Wilwerding, as a caring and amazing person inside and out.

Many people who came to pay their respects say they want all the victims to be remembered for how they lived and treated people, not for the tragedy that took their lives.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Ricardo Tovar

Click here for updates on this story

    SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, California (KSBW) — The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said deputies found a loaded gun, suspected narcotics and a pipe bomb during a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon that prompted a road closure on Freedom Boulevard.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies conducted a traffic stop around 4 p.m. near the 2600 block of Freedom Boulevard. After one of the agency’s K9s alerted on the vehicle, deputies searched it.

Authorities said the suspect tried to run but was detained after a brief struggle without further incident.

During the search, deputies found a loaded firearm, suspected narcotics and a pipe bomb, according to the sheriff’s office.

Freedom Boulevard was closed from Bowker Road to Corralitos Road while the bomb team responded to dispose of the device. The sheriff’s office said the pipe bomb was safely detonated and the road was expected to reopen by 7:45 p.m.

Earlier Tuesday evening, CHP Santa Cruz said Freedom Boulevard had been shut down because of an investigation by an allied agency.

The investigation remains active.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Marissa Orr

Click here for updates on this story

    SELLS, Arizona (KVOA) — The Tohono O’odham Nation’s lawsuit seeking to stop border wall construction on reservation lands will receive its first federal court hearing Wednesday.

The hearing on the Nation’s request for a preliminary injunction will take place July 22 at 1 p.m. Arizona time, according to tribe leaders. The proceedings will be held at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Judge Richard Leon.

Leaders from the Nation will attend the hearing in person. The court will not provide a livestream of the proceedings.

In June, the Tohono O’odham Nation filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to block construction of a border wall on tribal lands.

On July 14, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 4-to-1 to approve a resolution opposing border wall construction in support of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

“It will help us to fight and protect our land, our culture, our people from this destructive wall,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose said. “This is aligned with the Pima County values.”

A spokesperson with DHS provided News 4 Tucson with this statement:

“Secretary [Markwayne] Mullin is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and made clear during his confirmation hearing that he respects tribal sovereignty. DHS is committed to ongoing coordination with stakeholders, including tribal nations, throughout planning and construction activities. DHS values its relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation and remains focused on open communication and minimizing impacts.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Ta’Niyah Jordan

Click here for updates on this story

    FLINT, Michigan (WJRT) — A 7-year-old Flint boy is using a lemonade stand to raise money and awareness for sickle cell disease.

ABC12 met Jah’Marius Goff at his stand on Clio Road, where he’s selling chips, water, Fanta and pink lemonade. Goff and his older brother both live with the painful blood disorder.

“Like yesterday, my stomach was hurting and when I went to church I was–my stomach was hurting and I flew through the pain,” Goff said. “I flew through the pain and I acted like I ain’t feel nothing.”

A play on words as Goff’s mom, Lajoi wrote a children’s book about raising confident kids with chronic illness. It’s called: Unbreakable Kids. The book has not yet been published.

The lemonade stand comes just as the State of Michigan removed restrictions requiring permits, making it easier for kids to open stands of their own.

Lajoi said meeting customers has shown her how many people in Flint are actually living with the disease. “I never knew so many people in Flint had sickle cell.”

She told ABC12 that people who stop by for lemonade or snacks or just to donate, they also get educated on the sickle cell disease.

“It could be a lot, especially on single moms,” Lajoi said. “It could be a lot because they’re always sick. You never know when they’re not going to be sick.”

She said she tries to turn her sons’ worst nightmare into something they love.

“Basically we turned their pain into something that could probably help others,” Lajoi said.

Goff has advice for others facing challenges.

“Be brave…and don’t give up,” Goff said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Tyra Tillman

Click here for updates on this story

    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — Omaha police are investigating an attack that happened early Wednesday morning that left a man in his 30s in critical condition.

Officers were called to Anytime Laundry near Cuming Street and Saddle Creek Road around 3 a.m.

Police said the man was found in the parking lot and taken to the hospital.

Investigators said it appeared he was attacked with some type of weapon, and they recovered one item they believe may have been used.

“We do know we have outstanding suspects. It is not believed to be any known threat to public safety at this time,” Sgt. Joshua Martinec said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Chase Kmosena

Click here for updates on this story

    WESTON, Wisconsin (WAOW) — The World Horseshoe Tournament continues this week at the Greenheck Turner Community Center in Weston. Among the nearly 900 competitors is a long-time champion, featured on ESPN for being an ageless wonder, back in 2013.

She is still going strong, standing out as a pioneer, leader, and champion.

“Ten-time world champion, 20-time Tennessee state champion, a member of three different Hall of Fames,” said Joan Elmore, horseshoe competitor from Mt. Juliet Tennessee.

Joan Elmore is pretty famous around these parts, and her impact is much more than titles and trophies.

“She was the first person to welcome me, and she’s just such a light to the sport,” said Elizabeth Jordan, horseshoe competitor from Connecticut.

Joan started playing in 1996, and her ten titles is tied for the most ever. This week, she’s not only playing for her 11th title, she’s playing to inspire young girls.

“I do see a trend of younger people coming in now, younger ladies. I want to see the sport grow, I want to see it continue on, you know. Even after my time,” said Elmore.

Continuing the sport is easy when you have a role model like Joan.

“I know that everyone that knows Joan knows her as a nice woman, who will always help juniors, cadets. All of them coming to women’s feeling comfortable and welcomed,” said Jordan.

She’s left the kind of impact on the sport that will always be remembered.

“I’d like to be remembered for being a nice person. Someone that, like you said, people want to talk to and socialize with. I’d like to be remembered for my record. My record stands right now as it is, and I’d like to be remembered for that,” said Elmore.

Win or lose this week, Joan has already made a ringing impact.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Norman Seawright

Click here for updates on this story

    OWEN COUNTY, Kentucky (WLKY) — A tornado tore through the hills of Owen County, Kentucky, on Tuesday, damaging homes, businesses, and trees in its path.

Family and friends were cleaning up the remains of the barndominium and camper that was inside Tuesday evening. Inside the camper was a man and his dog when a tornado came through.

Chad Hon, the man’s son, said his father is OK but really shaken.

“He said he looked out the front window of the camper, when he heard the noise, you know, and it sucked the the doors off the barn,” Hon said. “And then he just he could feel the motor home rolling over. And once it stopped, you know, he was kind of trapped in there.”

Hon said his father held on for his life, while also holding onto his German shepherd, Gunner.

“He had his study that his arms wrapped around, around him the whole time, trying to make sure that he didn’t let him go,” Hon said.

First responders broke through the camper’s windshield to rescue the pair. Hon’s father escaped with only a cut on his finger.

“Super blessed. Dad’s got great neighbors, and, they got an Amish community right down the road. They’ve been awesome. They were up here helping,” Hon said.

Owen County Emergency director Tim Cammack says only minor injuries have been reported so far.

A little over a mile away, Randy Towles is surveying damage from his business after the storm left debris and roofing scattered hundreds of feet away.

“Spared a house back there and took the roofs off these two barns, did a lot of damage to my trucks, came up this way and did some damage to my house but not a lot. We’re fortunate nobody got hurt,” Towles said.

With damage in these areas and Agee Road a few miles away, Hon says he’s grateful his father’s OK and that his mother was away when the storm happened.

“It’s a little bittersweet. They ain’t been here that long and they love this place. They’re retired. You know what I mean. And so they loved it. But yeah. So it can be rebuilt though. It’s all good,” Hon said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Lisa Crane

Click here for updates on this story

    BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WVTM) — A 17-year-old St. Clair County girl is heading to Texas for what she hopes will be life-saving surgery.

We told you last month about Julianna Barrientos. She has osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Her doctors at Children’s of Alabama recommended she go to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas for surgery. Initially, though, Medicaid refused to cover the procedure. After we brought you the story, Medicaid revisited the request and reversed its decision.

Now, Julianna is relieved, grateful and hopeful. She and her father, Adam Barrientos, are flying to Texas on a medical transport plane Wednesday.

She is not your typical teenager. The high school senior is not worried about boys, grades or friends. She is focused on survival.

She will undergo two surgeries in Houston that she hopes will save her life.

“She’s in good spirits. She’s a little nervous because of the flight. She’s a little nervous because of the facility,” Adam Barrientos said. “She loves the facility that she’s at and the nurses that she’s had and the physicians that she’s had. But right now, she’s going into the unknown.”

When we last spoke with her, Medicaid had denied coverage for the out-of-state surgery. But Julianna put her faith in God and believed it would work out.

A week later, the family learned Medicaid had reversed its decision.

“When she woke up, we were all just, like, happy crying,” her father said. “She just turned to us and said, ‘What are you crying for?’ We said, ‘It got reversed.’ She’s like, ‘That was God,’ and went back to sleep. She said, ‘I told you, just trust. Just trust.'”

Doctors at MD Anderson will work to remove the cancerous bone, which means Julianna will lose her leg.

You might think that news would be devastating for an avid soccer player, but Julianna said she sees the bigger picture.

“I’d rather live more than have my leg to be able to do these activities because maybe soccer wasn’t my thing or my calling, what God called me to do,” Julianna said.

Her father said everyone from local and national political leaders to athletes and celebrities has reached out to show support and offer encouragement. He believes it has helped her stay positive.

“She loves reading inspirational cards from people that have been in her situation or have gone through situations like this or even just sympathizing with her,” he said. “She loves reading people’s thoughts and people’s encouragement.”

Her father said they covet your prayers and words of encouragement.

You can send those messages to WVTM 13 at 1732 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209. We’ll make sure they get to Julianna in Houston, and we’ll keep you updated on her medical journey.

Her first surgery is scheduled for Aug. 4, with a second scheduled for Aug. 6.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Jamison Hixenbaugh

Click here for updates on this story

    ERIE, Pennsylvania (WSEE) — For the past eight years, Erie Police Department Patrolman Daniel Post has been dedicated to serving the community.

Since being sworn in as an officer in 2018, and spending the last six years as a member of the Police Athletic League helping mentor local youth, Dan will tell you….his compassion for others goes far beyond his badge.

“If you’re able to do something to help somebody, I say take it,” said Post. “Things are put on this earth for a reason.”

Last year, while camping with his fiancée’s family, his soon to be father-in-law Allen Rose became ill.

“When I got back, I didn’t feel right,” said Rose. “I went to the doctor and he said you need to go to the emergency room immediately.”

That’s when they received the devastating news.

“I went down, started testing,” said Rose. “That’s when I was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.”

After being diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, Allen was placed on a national liver transplant waiting list.

“It was a live donor waiting list,” said Rose. “I had several people that volunteered to be tested.”

One of the people who tested was his future son-in-law Post, who ended up being a 100 percent match.

“I told my fiancée Jessica, I know what it is like to lose a parent,” said Post. “I lost my mother four years ago and if I’m able to give that to somebody else to allow them to have a parent, I’m going to do that.”

“I wish I could say the first feeling was relief, but the very first feeling I was nervous, because then it wasn’t just my dad,” said Jessica Rose. “It was my dad and fiancé that were going to go through this huge surgery.”

Unlike other organs, the liver can regenerate.

Without hesitation, Patrolman Post decided to donate a portion of his liver to his future father-in-law.

“There was never a moment that I didn’t want to go through with it,” said Post. “It just needed to be done.”

“I tried to talk him out of it,” said Allen. “I did, because I was more worried about him than me, to be honest with you.”

Both Dan and Allen underwent seven hours of transplant surgery at UPMC Montefiore in Pittsburgh.

After two months of recovery, both men have returned to their normal lives.

“It’s quite a dedication to have somebody do that for you,” said Allen. “I wouldn’t be here without him.”

“Knowing my dad wouldn’t be here without him, that’s the biggest thing,” said Jessica. “I think it speaks volumes to who he is and who I get to marry.”

By sharing the same organ, both men now share an eternal bond.

“Definitely a special bond,” said Post. “We were always close before. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that I can help him continue to do the things he wants to do and that’s live and be around friends and family.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.