Who is responsible for Mercutio's death?

Mercutio’s death was the fault of none other that Mercutio himself. Mercutio did not have to fight Tybalt; Mercutio willingly chose to fight Tybalt. From the beginning of the scene we can see that Merctutio has some “beef” with Tybalt. When Tybalt shows up Mercutio begins to argue with him. The altercation becomes quite heated and Mercutio makes violent threats against Tybalt and even draws his sword. It is obvious that Mercutio wants to fight. If Romeo hadn’t showed up then there would most likely have been a fight most. It is argued that because Romeo interfered with the fight he is to blame for Mercutio’s death. It is unfair to blame Romeo for this since all Romeo was trying to protect his friend.