Police said one killing led to a murder charge while a self-defense claim involving the second death remains under investigation.
OCALA, Fla. — A 69-year-old Florida man has been charged with second-degree murder after two of his roommates were fatally shot at an Ocala home following a dispute that police said began over someone eating another person’s ice cream.
Ocala police arrested Mark Lynn Robinson after the Oct. 28 shootings at a home on Southeast Eighth Street. Police identified the two men who died as Charles Etheze, 69, and Menkes, 78. Robinson currently faces one second-degree murder charge tied to Menkes’ death, while investigators continue examining Robinson’s claim that he acted in self-defense when he shot Etheze.
Police Chief Mike Balken said officers were first called to the home at about 4:16 p.m. because of a verbal disturbance involving the three men. Officers learned that the argument centered on someone eating ice cream belonging to another person. Police found no criminal offense during that visit, calmed the dispute and left the residence.
After officers departed, Etheze and Menkes went for a walk, according to police. Robinson later told investigators he was concerned that the conflict would continue when the two men returned. According to police accounts of his statement, Robinson retrieved a shotgun and kept it near him while he remained inside the home.
Police said another confrontation occurred when Etheze and Menkes returned. Robinson told investigators that both men moved toward him and that Etheze was carrying a knife. Robinson said he felt threatened and fired at Etheze inside the residence. Investigators said a knife was recovered, but detectives were continuing to review the circumstances surrounding that shooting and Robinson’s self-defense claim.
The confrontation involving Menkes unfolded differently, according to investigators. Police said Menkes left the house and headed toward the front of the property. Robinson told detectives that he shot Menkes in the back as Menkes was moving away. Officers found Menkes outside and began emergency medical treatment before he was taken to a hospital, where he later 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 he acknowledged shooting both men. Police arrested him on a second-degree murder charge in connection with Menkes’ death after investigators determined there was probable cause to believe Menkes was attempting to flee when he was shot.
The circumstances surrounding Etheze’s death remain under investigation. Police said Robinson claimed Etheze approached him while armed with a knife, and detectives are continuing to examine physical evidence, statements and other information before deciding whether another charge is warranted. Balken said investigators still had additional work to complete before reaching a conclusion about Robinson’s self-defense claim.
Police said officers had previously responded to the residence for disturbances involving Robinson, his roommates or neighbors. Authorities described the living situation as troubled and said earlier calls involved disagreements among people at the home. Those previous encounters had not resulted in arrests, according to police.
Robinson has not been convicted of a crime, and the second-degree murder charge remains an allegation. Police said additional charges are possible as detectives continue investigating both deaths and prepare their findings for prosecutors.
Author note: Last updated October 29, 2026.