A man is charged with murder and arson after four people died in a house fire in Plant City early Wednesday morning.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was called to a home on County Line Road by a person who said they were one of three people trapped inside.
Firefighters arrived eight minutes later to find flames and smoke throughout the mobile home. Crews found three people inside and pulled them out through a bedroom window, but they did not survive.
A fourth person was found dead after firefighters extinguished the flames. Three dogs were also killed in the fire.
Shawn Gossett, 25, was arrested Wednesday and charged with four counts of first degree murder, aggravated cruelty to animals and arson of a dwelling.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Gossett was found near the home at the time of the fire and admitted to starting it. He lived on the property with the deceased, but deputies do not know the extent of their relationship.
“This is an utterly senseless and horrific crime where four innocent lives were tragically taken due to the evil actions of this man,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “I want to commend our detectives and our partners at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for their swift actions which resulted in the arrest of this individual and their relentless efforts to ensure justice is served.”
HCFR, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office are working to positively identify the victims. A motive for the alleged arson has not been determined.