An 85-year-old man had said he could kill someone with his bare hands, according to notes from a domestic disturbance call provided by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. But ultimately Charles Kidd Jr. used a gun to shoot and kill his roommate Monday in Palm Coast, the sheriff’s office stated.
Kidd was accused of shooting Mark Ruschmeier, 36, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds Monday morning following an argument that began over the air conditioner at the home on 20 Blare Drive, according to a charging affidavit.
Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten ordered Kidd held without bond at his first appearance Tuesday morning on a charge of second-degree murder. Kidd appeared via Zoom while being held at the Flagler County jail.
While the handful of other inmates wore the routine orange jail jumpsuits, Kidd wore a dark-colored, anti-suicide smock.
The judge called Kidd’s name and then said, “Good morning Mr. Kidd.”
“Good morning, judge,” Kidd responded.
The judge set a zero bond and told Kidd he could return to his seat.
What happened on Blare Drive in Palm Coast?
The fatal shooting followed an argument between the two men about the air conditioner at the home in the city’s Woodlands section.
Ruschmeier had numerous encounters with law enforcement in the past but most were related to traffic offenses, according to court records.
But the two men had had trouble previously at the home, where Ruschmeier’s mother also lived. Kidd called the sheriff’s office twice before due to a disturbance with Ruschmeier.
Accused said he was capable of killing with bare hands
At 11:44 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2022, deputies responded to the home, according to notes provided by the sheriff’s office. At the time, Kidd said that Ruschmeier had been his roommate for one year.
Kidd said that Ruschmeier had threatened to harm him, but Kidd was unable to repeat exactly what Ruschmeier had said. Kidd said that “his memory was not great,” according to the notes. The deputy informed Kidd of the eviction process.
Kidd told a deputy that Ruschmeier had “strong hands that are worse than any gun,” according to the notes.
The deputy then spoke to Ruschmeier who said that Kidd wanted “to make room in the house because he thinks that women from his online chatroom are going to move in and have sexual relations with him,” according to the notes. He said that Kidd blamed him for various things and then calls deputies in hopes of them removing him from the house. Ruschmeier denied making any threats and said he could be peaceful with Kidd and would consider finding a new place to live.
Deputies returned to the home at 10:51 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2022. Ruschmeier said he and Kidd got into an argument but no threats were made, the notes stated. Ruschmeier said that Kidd was paranoid and was a “doomsday prepper.” The notes stated that Ruschmeier showed deputies a bedroom wall where Kidd kept boxes of guns and ammunition.
Kidd said that they had argued, but no threats were made and it was not physical. A deputy wrote that Kidd was again informed of the eviction process.
Kidd stated that as soon as the deputies left he was going to put his weapon back on his hip and would defend himself if needed from Ruschmeier, the notes stated.
The deputy wrote: “I confirmed with Charles (Kidd) that the only time he can use the firearm is if his life is in danger. He advised he is aware and although he is capable of killing people with his bare hands, he would not be able to live with himself if he took someone’s life.”