Ocala police said an argument over eaten ice cream preceded the shootings, while one of the deaths remains under further investigation.
OCALA, Fla. — A 69-year-old Florida man has been charged with second-degree murder after police said he fatally shot two roommates following a dispute that began over ice cream, with investigators still reviewing his claim of self-defense in one of the deaths.
Mark Lynn Robinson was arrested after the Oct. 28 shootings at a home on Southeast Eighth Street, according to the Ocala Police Department. His roommates, Charles Etheze, 69, and Michael Menkes, 78, were killed. Police have charged Robinson with one count of second-degree murder in connection with Menkes’ death but have not announced a charge tied to Etheze’s death.
Police Chief Mike Balken said officers first went to the home at about 4:16 p.m. after receiving a report of a verbal disturbance involving the three men. Investigators said the argument centered on someone eating another person’s ice cream. Officers found no crime during that initial call, restored order and left the residence.
After officers departed, Etheze and Menkes went for a walk, police said. Robinson later told investigators that he was worried the dispute could continue when they returned. According to police accounts of his statement, Robinson armed himself with a shotgun and kept the weapon nearby while sitting inside the home.
When the two men returned, another confrontation began, investigators said. Robinson told detectives that both roommates moved toward him and that Etheze had a knife. Robinson said he believed he was in danger and shot Etheze inside the house. Police said a knife was recovered, and detectives were continuing to examine Robinson’s self-defense claim.
The confrontation then shifted toward the front of the property, according to investigators. Police said Menkes ran from the house toward a gate and that Robinson shot him in the back as he was trying to leave. Officers found Menkes outside and provided emergency medical aid before he was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Etheze was found dead inside the residence, police said. Robinson surrendered when officers arrived and was taken to police headquarters for questioning. Investigators said Robinson acknowledged shooting both men. Police have not said that alcohol or any single factor caused the shootings beyond the disputes they described.
Balken said detectives charged Robinson in Menkes’ death because investigators concluded Menkes was attempting to leave when he was shot. The circumstances surrounding Etheze’s death remained under review because of Robinson’s claim that Etheze approached him with a knife. Police said additional charges remain possible as detectives examine evidence and conduct further interviews.
Police also said officers had been sent to the home several times during the year for disturbances involving Robinson, his roommates or neighbors. Authorities described the living arrangement as troubled, but previous calls had not resulted in arrests. Investigators said earlier disagreements included problems involving rent and other household disputes.
The Ocala Police Department said the shootings appeared to be an isolated incident and were not linked to other recent violence in the area. Detectives were continuing to review both deaths and planned to present their findings as the criminal case moves forward. Robinson has not been convicted, and the charge against him remains an allegation.
Author note: Last updated October 29, 2026.