OCALA, FLORIDA — A 69-year-old man is accused of shooting and killing his two roommates after an argument that reportedly began over someone eating another person’s ice cream. Mark Lynn Robinson was arrested after the October 28 double homicide at a home on SE Eighth Street. The victims were Michael Samuel Menkes, 78, and Charles Fredick Etheze, 69, who both rented rooms from Robinson. The shooting happened less than an hour after police had calmed down an earlier argument at the same house.
Police Settled the First Argument
According to Mandatory, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said officers went to the property earlier that evening for a domestic disturbance involving the three men. Officers learned that the argument started because someone had eaten another person’s ice cream.
Police calmed things down, and Menkes and Etheze left the property. But within an hour, dispatchers began getting calls about gunfire at the home, and officers rushed back.
Both Roommates Found Shot
When officers returned, they found Menkes in the front yard with a gunshot wound to his back. Robinson surrendered as officers approached and reportedly admitted to shooting both men.
A search of the property led police to Etheze, who had also been shot. Neither man survived. The killings shocked many because they followed a dispute over something as minor as ice cream.
Suspect Says He Fired in Self-Defense
The arrest affidavit gives more detail about what happened after the first police visit. Robinson reportedly told detectives he had been drinking heavily that evening, estimating he drank about a bottle and a half of white wine.
He said he was worried another fight would break out when his roommates came back. He then took a 12-gauge shotgun from his bedroom and placed it on the living room couch, according to the affidavit. When Menkes and Etheze returned, another argument followed. Robinson claimed that Etheze picked up a knife and that both men rushed at him, so he fired in self-defense.
Evidence Challenges His Account
Police did recover a knife at the scene. However, investigators say other evidence casts doubt on Robinson’s story, especially his account of how Menkes was shot.
Forensic findings and witness statements reportedly showed that Menkes was running out of the house when he was shot from behind. That detail is expected to be a key part of the case as it moves forward.
Long History of Police Calls
Chief Balken also pointed to the history of police calls at the address. Officers had responded to three separate incidents at the property in the past year. He described the home as a dysfunctional living arrangement and called Robinson volatile.
Robinson was booked into the Marion County Jail after his arrest. He later appeared before County Judge LeAnn Mackey-Barnes by Zoom, and the judge ordered him held without bail.
Charges Expected to Grow
Robinson has been charged with one count of second-degree murder. Detectives say they expect more charges as the investigation continues. His formal arraignment is set for December 1.
For now, the case leaves two men dead after a household dispute that started over ice cream. Investigators are still working to piece together exactly what happened in the hour between the first police visit and the deadly shooting.
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