Estero man charged with murder
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit has arrested and charged
Mark Dennis, 48, of 20164 Sherrill Lane, Estero, with second degree murder. According to LCSO reports, today at approximately 1:05 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a South Tamiami Trail residence, in reference to a medical emergency.
Upon arrival, deputies reported they found an adult male deceased in the kitchen. Deputies spoke with the resident, who said she was a witness to a physical altercation.
The report states that the witness told deputies that Felix Lozada, 49, had been staying with her for approximately two weeks. On Tuesday, March 10, at approximately 5 p.m., Mark Dennis, 48, arrived at the residence. The witness said both men were friends of hers and were acquainted with each other.
As the evening wore on, Lozada and Dennis reportedly began consuming unknown prescription pain medication allegedly provided by Dennis. The men then consumed unknown quantities of beer and whiskey, the report states. As they watched television, an argument ensued between the two men, and, according to the witness, Dennis repeatedly beat Lozada about the head and body with his fists.
The report goes on to say that Lozada began tending to his wounds in the bathroom when Dennis initiated a second physical altercation, repeatedly stomping Lozado’s head and torso area. Dennis then allegedly broke a wooden cutting board over Lozada’s head and continued kicking and punching Lozada, causing his death, according to detectives.
Dennis left the residence, but was apprehended on March 11 at approximately 7:30 a.m. in the area of Corkscrew Road and South Tamiami Trail, the report states. He is currently in custody at the Lee County Jail.