A bizarre argument over ice cream turned into a deadly double shooting in Florida, leaving two elderly men dead and their 69-year-old landlord behind bars in a case that has stunned even veteran police officers.
Mark Robinson, 69, is accused of fatally shooting his roommates, Charles Etheze, 69, and Michael Menkes, 78, inside the Ocala home they shared on October 28. What began as a seemingly trivial disagreement escalated into violence just over an hour after police had already visited the residence to settle the dispute.
Officers were first dispatched to the home on Southeast Eighth Street around 4:16 p.m. following reports of an argument involving Robinson and his two tenants.
The source of the trouble? Someone had apparently eaten someone else’s ice cream.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken expressed disbelief while recounting the incident during a news conference.
Investigators said officers spoke with all three men, determined that no crime had occurred and managed to restore peace. Etheze and Menkes then left the property for a walk, seemingly bringing the confrontation to an end.
But roughly an hour later, police received another frantic 911 call reporting gunfire at the same address.
When officers returned, they discovered Menkes critically wounded in the front yard and Etheze dead inside the residence. Menkes was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.
Robinson surrendered to police and allegedly admitted shooting both men with a 12-gauge shotgun.
According to investigators, Robinson told detectives that he had become concerned the confrontation would resume when his roommates returned from their walk. He retrieved a shotgun and positioned it near the living room couch, anticipating further trouble.
Robinson claimed that when the men came home, another argument erupted and both approached him aggressively. He alleged that Etheze was carrying a knife and that he opened fire because he feared for his life.
However, detectives say his account raised serious questions.
According to the arrest report, Robinson allegedly shot Etheze and then followed him into a hallway, where he fired again. Investigators also allege that Robinson shot Menkes in the back as the 78-year-old attempted to flee through the front yard.
Police said evidence indicated Menkes was retreating and no longer posed an immediate threat when he was shot.
The investigation also revealed that Robinson allegedly admitted drinking approximately a bottle and a half of white wine before the deadly confrontation.
Balken described the household as a deeply dysfunctional living arrangement, alleging that Robinson had a history of confrontations with both tenants and neighbors.
The police chief said investigators were examining Robinson’s claim of self-defense in Etheze’s death, particularly because a knife was recovered from the scene. However, evidence surrounding Menkes’ attempt to escape prompted detectives to pursue a second-degree murder charge.
Robinson appeared before a judge on October 30, where prosecutors argued that he should remain behind bars because of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The judge agreed and ordered him held without bond.
He currently faces one count of second-degree murder, although authorities have indicated additional charges could follow as investigators and prosecutors review the evidence.
His next court appearance is scheduled for December 1.
The case has left authorities grappling with how an argument over something as insignificant as ice cream could end with two men dead.
For the families of Etheze and Menkes, a dispute that initially seemed harmless has become an irreversible tragedy, while investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened inside the home.
Robinson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
