Mark Lynn Robinson, a 69-year-old landlord in Ocala, Florida, is facing one count of second-degree murder in the deaths of Charles Etheze, 69, and Michael Menkes, 78, police announced.
Ocala Police responded to the home at 1000 Southeast Eighth Street at 4:16 p.m. on October 28 after a reported disturbance. Police Chief Mike Balken said officers determined the dispute centered on someone eating someone else's ice cream. No criminal violations occurred, and the officers restored peace before Etheze and Menkes left to take a walk.
About an hour later, police received a second call reporting shots fired. Officers found one man in front of the home with a gunshot wound. Robinson "immediately indicated that he had just shot both of his roommates," according to Balken. Officers found the second victim inside the home. Both men were pronounced dead.
Robinson told detectives he retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun from his bedroom and placed it on the living room couch after police left, fearing the roommates would return angry. When they arrived home, Robinson said Etheze armed himself with a knife and both men rushed toward him. Robinson claimed he felt threatened and fired the shotgun at Etheze multiple times.
Robinson also allegedly told police that one roommate made a comment about being the "ice cream bandits" when they returned.
Balken said Robinson shot Menkes in the back as the older man attempted to flee the residence. The chief stated this provided sufficient probable cause for the murder charge. Balken said detectives will scrutinize Robinson's self-defense claim regarding the Etheze shooting.
Balken described Robinson as an "angry old man with some alcohol problems" in a "dysfunctional living arrangement." Police responded to the home three times in the last year. Balken said Robinson had a tendency to "get nasty" with his roommates and neighbors.
Robinson made his first court appearance Friday. He is scheduled for another hearing on December 1.