A man is charged with murder after four people, along with three dogs, were killed in a mobile home that was engulfed in flames in Plant City early Wednesday morning.
Shawn Gossett, 25, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday and charged with four counts of first-degree murder, aggravated cruelty to animals and arson of a dwelling.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to S County Line Road at 12:09 a.m. after a homeowner called reporting smoke and flames, with four adults and five dogs trapped inside.
Crews arrived on the scene approximately eight minutes after being dispatched.
Upon arrival, crews say the house was on fire about 100 yards away from the road. Crews immediately entered the home and removed three victims through a bedroom window.
According to reports, medical aid was attempted, but all three victims were pronounced dead on the scene.
Crews battled the fire for approximately 20 minutes before extinguishing the flames. A fourth victim was reportedly discovered as flames were being extinguished.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue says in total, four people, along with three dogs, died on the scene.
One dog is safe, and firefighters say the other two are still unaccounted for.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says Gossett intentionally set the house fire that took the lives of four people and three dogs.
"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."
HCSO says they are working with the medical examiner's office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue to positively identify the victims.
Investigations are ongoing.
View the damage caused by the fire below:
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