Hillsborough County
PLANT CITY, Fla. (TCN) — A 25-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly igniting a fire that killed several people and dogs this week.
In the early hours of July 31, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the flames after receiving a 911 call from a homeowner who said three adults and five dogs were trapped inside. Fire personnel extinguished the house fire and located four deceased adults.
The sheriff’s office said three dogs also died.
Deputies identified and located a suspect, Shawn Gossett, adjacent to the scene. Gossett reportedly admitted to intentionally setting the home ablaze. He faces four counts of first-degree murder while engaged in arson, three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, and one count of arson of a dwelling.
Hillsborough County
Chief Joseph Maurer said the motive is still under investigation, but Gossett was friends with the victims.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “This is an utterly senseless and horrific crime where four innocent lives were tragically taken due to the evil actions of this man.”
Maurer called the incident an “immense tragedy.”
Investigators are working with the medical examiner’s office to positively identify the victims.