A Florida man is behind bars after allegedly shooting and killing his two roommates following a bizarre argument over ice cream.
A disagreement over something as simple as ice cream reportedly turned into a deadly double homicide in Ocala, Florida, leaving two men dead and their 69-year-old roommate facing murder charges.
According to the Ocala Police Department, Mark Lynn Robinson was arrested following the October 28 shooting that claimed the lives of 69-year-old Charles Etheze and 78-year-old Michael Menkes.
Investigators say the deadly incident happened at a residence along Southeast 8th Street, where Robinson lived with the two men, who rented rooms from him.
Police revealed that officers had actually been called to the home earlier that same afternoon after receiving reports of an argument involving the three men. During their investigation, officers reportedly discovered that the disagreement centered around someone allegedly eating Robinson’s ice cream.
Authorities said officers spoke with everyone involved, determined that no crime had occurred, and eventually left after believing the situation had been resolved.
According to investigators, Etheze and Menkes went for a walk after officers left the residence. During that time, Robinson allegedly retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun because he believed another confrontation could happen when the men returned.
When the two roommates eventually came back, another argument reportedly broke out.
According to the arrest affidavit, Robinson told detectives that the men referred to themselves as the “ice cream bandits” before allegedly rushing toward him.
Robinson claimed that Etheze approached him carrying a knife, causing him to fear for his safety. He allegedly picked up the shotgun and fired at Etheze multiple times.
Investigators say Robinson initially claimed he fired while defending himself. However, detectives continued examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the movements of everyone involved.
The situation became even more disturbing when investigators learned what allegedly happened to the second roommate.
Police say Menkes attempted to escape the home and made his way outside toward the front gate. However, Robinson allegedly admitted that he shot Menkes in the back as he was fleeing.
When questioned about why he fired at the second man, Robinson reportedly told detectives that he believed Menkes was going to come after him.
Authorities say the evidence indicated that Menkes was attempting to get away when he was shot.
When officers arrived at the residence following reports of gunfire, they discovered one victim outside and another inside the home. Both men ultimately died from their injuries.
During a news conference, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken described the living arrangement as dysfunctional and expressed disbelief that a disagreement over ice cream had escalated into such a horrific incident.
Investigators also revealed that Robinson acknowledged drinking approximately a bottle and a half of white wine before the shooting, according to the arrest affidavit.
Police have been called to the residence on previous occasions involving disturbances, including disagreements between Robinson and the other men.
Robinson was taken into custody and initially charged with second-degree murder in connection with Menkes’ death. At the time of the department’s news conference, investigators said additional charges could follow as they continued examining Etheze’s death and Robinson’s claims of self-defense.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work with prosecutors to determine what additional charges may be appropriate.
What reportedly started as an argument over ice cream ultimately ended with two men dead and another behind bars.
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