Two roommates died in the same confrontation, but police say the evidence has so far led to a murder charge in only one death.
OCALA, Fla. — Ocala detectives investigating the fatal shootings of two roommates are treating the deaths differently as they examine a self-defense claim in one shooting while pursuing a second-degree murder charge in the other, police said.
Mark Robinson, 69, was arrested after both men were shot Oct. 28 at the Southeast Eighth Street home where they rented rooms from him. Police said Robinson admitted shooting both men. Yet investigators have announced a murder charge only in the death of the roommate who police say was trying to leave the property when he was shot, while detectives continue reviewing Robinson’s account of the earlier shooting inside the house.
That distinction has become central to the investigation. Robinson told detectives that Charles Etheze, 69, approached him inside the home while carrying a knife and that he fired because he believed he was in danger. Police Chief Mike Balken said investigators were not immediately accepting or rejecting that account and needed to compare it with physical evidence, interviews and other information gathered at the scene.
The second roommate, a 78-year-old man with the surname Menkes, made it outside the residence during the confrontation, according to investigators. Local reports have differed on his first name. Police said evidence indicated he was moving away from the home when Robinson shot him in the back. That shooting led detectives to establish probable cause for a second-degree murder charge, authorities said.
Robinson told investigators that he believed Menkes could still come after him, according to local reports citing the arrest affidavit. Police have nevertheless said the circumstances surrounding that shooting supported the murder charge. The criminal accusation does not establish Robinson’s guilt, which would have to be determined through the court process.
The confrontation came roughly an hour and a half after officers had already been sent to the home. Balken said police received a call at about 4:16 p.m. reporting a verbal disturbance among Robinson and the two renters. The disagreement involved accusations that someone had eaten another person’s ice cream. Officers found no criminal offense, calmed the dispute and left.
Etheze and Menkes then went for a walk, police said. Robinson told investigators that while they were gone, he retrieved a shotgun because he feared another confrontation when they returned. An arrest affidavit described in local reporting says Robinson acknowledged drinking about a bottle and a half of white wine before the shootings.
When the two renters returned, another argument began. Robinson told police both men moved toward him and that Etheze had a knife. Investigators said Robinson fired at Etheze inside the home. Etheze was later found dead there. Police said a knife was recovered, an element detectives are considering as they examine whether the circumstances support Robinson’s self-defense claim.
Menkes left the house during the confrontation but was shot outside, according to investigators. Responding officers found him wounded in the front yard and began emergency aid. He was taken to a hospital and later died. Robinson remained at the property and surrendered to police when officers arrived.
The case also has drawn attention to earlier calls involving the residence. Police said officers had responded several times during the year to disturbances involving Robinson, the renters or neighbors. Investigators have described the living arrangement as troubled, with reports of disputes over rent and other household issues before the shootings.
Detectives were continuing Friday to investigate both deaths and determine whether another criminal charge is warranted. Police said the self-defense claim connected to Etheze’s death remains under review and additional charges are possible as investigators complete interviews, examine the evidence and present their findings for further legal review.
Author note: Last updated October 30, 2026.