A 69-year-old Ocala, Florida, homeowner was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing his two roommates following a dispute that began when one of them ate his ICE cream, according to police and an arrest affidavit. Mark Robinson faces one count of second-degree murder; investigators say additional charges are possible.
Police Chief Mike Balken described the household as a “dysfunctional living arrangement.” The affidavit says Robinson had ongoing problems with roommates Charles Etheze, 69, and Michael Menkes, 78, including alleged disputes over unpaid rent. Police said Etheze had contacted law enforcement several times in the weeks before the shootings, and officers had responded to the home at least three times this year.
On the day of the shootings, Robinson called police to complain that a roommate had eaten his ice cream. Officers responded and left after trying to calm the men, Balken said. The affidavit states that Robinson told investigators he had consumed a bottle and a half of wine that day.
After officers left, Etheze and Menkes went for a walk, which Robinson described as part of their usual routine. He said he expected trouble when they returned, so he took a 12-gauge shotgun into the living room. Robinson told investigators the men called themselves “ice cream bandits” and rushed toward him when they came back. He claimed Etheze had a knife and that he fired at him in self-defense.
According to the affidavit, Robinson said he shot Etheze again after the first shot, then followed him into a hallway and fired a second round as Etheze retreated. Investigators said they found Etheze in the hallway, rather than in the living room where Robinson initially said the confrontation took place.
Robinson told investigators that Menkes tried to leave through the front door and was heading toward the front gate when Robinson shot him in the back. He said he believed Menkes would come after him.
Balken characterized Robinson as an angry man with alcohol problems who could be hostile toward neighbors and tenants. Robinson has claimed self-defense. At his initial court appearance, he appeared to refuse to sign the judge’s findings concerning the charges, according to the source report.
Sources: TMZ.