PLANT CITY, Fla. – A 25-year-old man is accused of starting a house fire that killed four people and three dogs, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Shawn Gosset, a resident at the Plant City home, was arrested Wednesday.
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Fire officials responded to a home on South County Line Road around 12:09 a.m. on Wednesday after receiving a call from a homeowner reporting smoke and flames inside of their house.
Authorities stated fire units removed the three victims through a bedroom window and crews worked to extinguish the fire upon arrival, bringing it under control within 20 minutes.
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue first reported four people and two dogs died in the fire. However, the sheriff’s office later said four people and three dogs had been killed.
The sheriff’s office said Gosset “started the fire with the intent to burn the house down.”
“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.”
No firefighter injuries were reported.
Gosset faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated animal cruelty and arson.
An investigation is ongoing.
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