Police: Woman pleaded for life before fatal Arcadia shooting; second victim killed during 911 call

ARCADIA, Fla. —

Two women were killed in a double homicide on Friday in Arcadia, including Tanika Summers, a massage therapist remembered by friends and coworkers for her positivity and hard work.

A small memorial now sits in front of Summers’ suite inside Hello Beautiful Salon, where coworkers described her as someone who "would light up a room."

"She was a hard-working lady, beautiful inside and out. Love her profession," Adailys Cardenas said.

"Every single one of her clients is what helped her build up her clientele here. They referred people. She was a very good person," Megan Albritton said.

Summers had been saving for a home through Habitat for Humanity and was preparing to send her teenage daughter to nursing school.

"Working and working her day off, working in Habitat. She worked seven days a week to be ready to get her house," Cardenas said.

Investigators said Summers’ daughter came home from work to find Eric Robinson, the suspect, holding her mother at knifepoint at the Jacaranda Trail Apartments. Police said the daughter grabbed a gun to intervene, but Robinson disarmed her and used the weapon to shoot and kill Summers.

The report stated that three witnesses saw Summers walking backward with her hands up, pleading for Robinson to stop before he shot her. Barbara Bates, the second victim, was shot and killed while on the phone with 911. Bates was a grandmother.

"Like, a hardworking woman with a beautiful soul. Nice lady. She's always happy, always smiling. Her face. I know she's going to be an angel for her daughter," Cardenas said.

Arcadia police arrested Robinson, who is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder.

During questioning, Robinson reportedly referenced a past case that sent him to prison and claimed he had spoken with former President Trump about the conflict in Palestine. When informed he would face murder charges, Robinson asked how many counts and suggested there could be additional victims.

Habitat for Humanity confirmed that Summers never had the chance to purchase her home, but they will provide her daughter the opportunity to fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming a homeowner.

"But I know she'll be happy to see her daughter enjoy her house, because that's what she wanted. Half a house for her daughter and her," Cardenas said.

Family and friends will hold a candlelight memorial for Summers this Wednesday at the home she had been planning to move into.

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