Mark Penland, 53, died on March 22, 2016, after being shot during a domestic disturbance at his Ocala home, 8311 Southeast 16th Terrace. The confrontation began during a family gathering for his stepson’s 14th birthday when Mark went outside to grill and refused to rejoin the celebration. According to accounts, a physical struggle followed when the stepson went outside; Mark allegedly pinned the boy to a door and beat him. Michelle Dinkins-Penland, 44, and her mother intervened but were pushed or struck during the altercation, and Michelle was reportedly hit in the eye.

Fearing for her son’s safety, Michelle retrieved a .38-caliber revolver and shot Mark twice. He was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead. Records state Mark had been treated for post-traumatic stress disorder related to his military service and was on medication. The State Attorney’s Office concluded the shooting was justified under Florida’s stand your ground statute and the justifiable use of deadly force; Michelle Dinkins-Penland was not charged. Witnesses are reported to have corroborated that Mark was assaulting the boy and that Michelle’s actions prevented further harm.

Does anyone have additional firsthand details about the family or that night that could shed more light on what happened?