PLANT CITY, Fla. — Four people are dead after a man intentionally set fire to a Plant City home early Wednesday morning, trapping them inside, officials said.
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said firefighters arrived at the home on South County Line Road around 12:09 a.m. HCFR received a 911 call from the homeowner, who was inside the home and reported the smoke and flames. The homeowner also told them that four adults and five dogs were inside.
Firefighters said there was a working fire in the house, which was about 100 yards from the main road. Within five minutes of their arrival, three victims were found and removed through a bedroom window. The fourth victim was located later.
Once the victims were removed, the crew brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. All victims died at the scene, as well as three dogs.
During an investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said detectives learned that Shawn Gosset, 25, started the fire with the intention of burning the house down. He lived inside the home.
"In the interview with our detectives, he said he used a Bic lighter to set the fire on some paper towels," said Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer.
Gosset was arrested and charged with four counts of murder in the first degree while engaged in arson, three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, and one count of arson of a dwelling.
"This is an utterly senseless and horrific crime where four innocent lives were tragically taken due to the evil actions of this man," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "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."
HCSO said they are currently working with the Medical Examiner's Office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to identify the victims.
ABC Action News spoke to one man who says he knew the victims.
Shaun Michael Martinez showed up to the crime scene as invesitgators continued to move around.
"I'm here so I can like, give respect to them because they're like family to me."
Martinez said he saw two of the victims just the day prior, when they called him and asked if he could give their car a jump.
"I gave him a jump. And then they're like, 'Follow me to Circle K. And I'll give you $10 for gas.' and I said okay. And so they bought me a coke," he recalled. "That was the last time I seen them."
Martinez says he didn't know Gosset well, but had seen him around the home and knew he was a close friend to the victims.
Martinez is now pledging support to the family.
"I know how they feel because I lost my brother in law and my niece and my nephew in a fire a year ago. I know that's very hard for them. So if anything they need, their family members need anything. We're here. So we can help them," he offered.
"They need to be aware that they’re putting families at risk”
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