‘Horrific’ fire that killed 4 was intentional, Florida sheriff says. Suspect captured

A “horrific” fire that killed four people in the middle of the night was intentionally set by a man who lived with his victims, according to Florida investigators.

However, Shawn Gossett made sure not to be inside the home as the flames spread just after midnight on Wednesday, July 31, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Gossett, 25, “started the fire with the intent to burn the house down,” but investigators have not revealed a motive.

“This is an utterly senseless and horrific crime where four innocent lives were tragically taken due to the evil actions of this man,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release.

Gossett was arrested July 31 and charged with four counts of murder in the first degree while engaged in arson and one count of arson of a dwelling, officials said. Three dogs also died, resulting in him being charged with three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, officials said.

The one-story home near Plant City was completely destroyed, photos show. Plant City is about a 25-mile drive northeast from Tampa.

Fire department officials say the initial 911 call came “from a homeowner reporting smoke and flames inside their home, with (adults and dogs) trapped inside.” The home sits about 100 yards from the road, officials said.

“Our first-arriving engine immediately entered the structure, quickly located and removed ... victims through a bedroom window,” the fire department said. “Despite their swift and valiant efforts, all of the victims on the scene perished.”

The identity of the person who called 911 was not revealed.

One of the five dogs believed to be in the home was found safe and another is unaccounted for, officials said.

“HCSO is working in collaboration with the Medical Examiner’s Office and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue on positively identifying the victims,” the sheriff’s office said.

This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 2:07 PM with the headline "‘Horrific’ fire that killed 4 was intentional, Florida sheriff says. Suspect captured."