Police say an argument over eaten ice cream preceded a double shooting at an Ocala home, where one killing remains under investigation.
OCALA, FL — A 69-year-old Florida man is accused of fatally shooting his two roommates after an argument that began over ice cream, according to Ocala police, who said one shooting led to a second-degree murder charge while the circumstances of the other remain under investigation.
Mark Lynn Robinson was arrested after the Oct. 28 shooting at a home on Southeast Eighth Street, police said. His roommates, Charles Etheze, 69, and a 78-year-old man named Menkes, were killed. Police Chief Mike Balken said officers had been called to the same home earlier that afternoon because the three men were arguing about someone eating another person’s ice cream. Officers found no crime at that time and restored order before leaving.
The first call came at about 4:16 p.m., Balken said. After officers left, Etheze and Menkes went for a walk. Robinson later told investigators that he became worried the dispute would continue when the men returned, so he retrieved a shotgun and kept it near him while he sat on a couch, according to reporting based on the arrest affidavit.
When the two roommates returned, another confrontation began, Robinson told investigators. He said both men moved toward him and that Etheze was carrying a knife. Robinson told police he felt threatened and fired at Etheze inside the home. Investigators recovered a knife, according to police. Robinson has claimed self-defense in Etheze’s shooting, and detectives were continuing to examine that account Thursday.
Police said the confrontation then moved toward the front of the property. Menkes ran out of the house and toward a gate, according to investigators. Robinson acknowledged shooting him in the back, police said. Balken said investigators determined that Menkes was trying to leave the residence when he was shot. Officers found him outside and began lifesaving measures before he was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Etheze was found dead inside the home, according to police. Robinson surrendered when officers arrived and was taken to Ocala Police Department headquarters for questioning. Investigators said he admitted shooting both men. The arrest affidavit also states that Robinson acknowledged drinking before the shooting. Police have not said that alcohol alone caused the confrontation or established a motive beyond the series of disputes described by investigators.
Detectives charged Robinson with one count of second-degree murder in connection with Menkes’ death. Balken said investigators had not yet reached the same conclusion in Etheze’s death because Robinson said Etheze approached him with a knife. Police were reviewing evidence, interviews and Robinson’s self-defense claim before deciding whether another charge is appropriate. An arrest and criminal charge are allegations, and Robinson has not been convicted in either death.
Police described the home as having a troubled history of disputes. Officers had been sent there several times during the year for problems involving Robinson, his roommates or neighbors, according to police. Robinson also told investigators that he had experienced continuing problems with Etheze, including disputes involving rent. Those earlier calls had not resulted in arrests, police said.
The arrest affidavit gives a more detailed account of Robinson’s statements after the shooting. He told detectives that after his roommates returned from their walk, they joked about the ice cream before the confrontation escalated. Robinson said Etheze approached him first while holding a knife. He said he fired at Etheze and later shot Menkes as Menkes headed outside. Police said evidence surrounding Menkes’ attempt to leave was central to the second-degree murder charge.
Balken said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident and was not connected to other recent violence in the area. Detectives were continuing to investigate both deaths Thursday, including whether additional charges should be filed. No further court schedule had been confirmed in the reports reviewed, and police said the investigation remained active.
Author note: Last updated October 29, 2026.