ICYMI: Minnesota Father Overdoses in Hotel—As Three Thieves Steal His Jewelry!
A father’s overdose death at a Minnesota hotel exposes a heartless theft of his jewelry and bank cards by two women and a man, now facing serious charges. 🌐 #News #MapleGroveMN #Minnesota #Crime
MAPLE GROVE, MN – In a grim turn of events at a Maple Grove, Minnesota hotel, a father’s life ended as two women and a man allegedly took advantage of his final moments, swiping his jewelry and bank cards. This shocking incident has left a family grieving and authorities piecing together a troubling crime. Here’s what unfolded on that fateful night in September 2024.
Fatal Night at Cambria Suites
On September 18, 2024, 42-year-old Zachary Mulder of Maple Grove was found lifeless in his room at the Cambria Suites Hotel.
Police were called to the hotel on Grove Circle North after a welfare check revealed Mulder unresponsive.
Authorities determined that a lethal mix of fentanyl and alcohol claimed his life, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
His wife explained Mulder had come to the hotel after a disagreement at home and noted a $300 withdrawal from their joint account early that morning.
Mulder, a devoted father and oil driller, left behind a wife, four daughters, and four stepchildren—his youngest child born just two weeks prior.
His clothing, phone, and wallet remained in the room, but Mulder’s wife said something was off—only five of his usual 15 bank cards were present.
Suspects Emerge in Surveillance
Hotel footage painted a clearer picture of Mulder’s last hours.
The night before his death, he sat at the hotel bar, ordering drinks and scrolling on his phone. Around 1:20 a.m., he met two women later identified as 29-year-old Marquesha Simone Lindsey-Mullins of St. Paul and 27-year-old Aashion Aireal Leney Goldsby of Brooklyn Park.
The trio headed to his room, but within 25 minutes, the women left—appearing lighthearted as they exited the hotel in a vehicle.
Investigators later tied the women to escort ads online, one listing a $300 hourly rate and linked to a phone number that contacted Mulder twice that night.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Damon Sentall Smith of Minneapolis entered the frame, allegedly using Mulder’s stolen cards for fraudulent purchases.
Theft and Fraud Unravel
The scope of the crime grew as evidence mounted. Mulder’s missing bank cards racked up over $76,000 in charges.
Some of his jewelry—a Gucci chain necklace and a diamond-studded gold ring—turned up at Max It Pawn in Minneapolis, matching items he’d been wearing.
Surveillance caught Smith attempting to buy items at Mall of America stores like Heritage Estate Jewelry, Lids, and JD Sports, and even trying to rent a storage unit with Mulder’s cards.
When police tracked down Lindsey-Mullins and Smith on September 24, they found one of Mulder’s cards and a $1,800 watch in Smith’s possession, along with suspected drugs and a mall receipt. Smith claimed he’d bought the items from a stranger, but the evidence told a different story.
Grim Details Surface
A witness later shared disturbing details with authorities in January, alleging Lindsey-Mullins held a white paper to Mulder’s face as he began to fade, while Goldsby briefly turned away. When she looked back, Mulder was on his back, his color changing.
Lindsey-Mullins reportedly slapped him and splashed water on him before both women grabbed his belongings and fled.
Goldsby, arrested that month, admitted to taking Mulder’s jewelry and wallet but said she’d only been dancing for him and tried to rouse him before leaving.
Charges and Court Ahead
Lindsey-Mullins now faces third-degree murder and theft charges, held on $500,000 bail at Hennepin County Jail with a court date set for March 14.
Smith, charged with theft and bank card fraud, remains in custody on $25,000 bail and is due in court March 6.
Goldsby, charged with theft, is out of custody and summoned to appear March 12.
The legal fallout continues as Mulder’s family mourns, supported by a fundraiser that’s collected over $18,000 toward a $30,000 goal. To help Abigail Mulder and her kids, visit GoFundMe here.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Minnesota
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