PLANT CITY, FL – Tragedy struck in a small Florida community as a man was arrested after he allegedly set a fire in a home, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and three dogs.

Responding to a distress call shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue rushed to extinguish a blaze at a manufactured home located near Plant City. Despite the quick response, with firefighters arriving approximately eight minutes after the call, the fire engulfed the home, which was situated roughly 100 yards from the nearest road.

Efforts to save those trapped were met with heartache. Firefighters entered and removed three people through a bedroom window, but all were sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. Once the fire was under control, which took crews about 20 minutes, a subsequent search uncovered a fourth deceased victim and three dogs.

Local sheriff’s office detectives launched an investigation and identified 25-year-old Shawn Gossett, a resident of the home, as the perpetrator. Gossett has been accused of intentionally setting the blaze. The investigation is ongoing as officials attempt to understand the motive for the crimes and determine the exact causes of death for the victims, whose identities have not been released to the public.

Sheriff Chad Chronister released a statement condemning the brutal act and acknowledging the quick work and dedication of both the sheriff’s office detectives and the fire rescue team. Chronister described the crime as “utterly senseless and horrific” and promised that efforts to achieve justice for the victims are unwavering.

Currently, Gossett is facing severe charges, including four counts of first-degree murder amidst arson, three counts of aggravated animal cruelty, and one count of arson, leading to his holding at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.

Community members expressed their shock and sorrow, with neighbor Shaun Martinez recalling the victims as delightful individuals full of joy and humor. Martinez remembered his interaction earlier in the week when he had been helping them with a car, noting the kindness of the mother and the overall friendly spirit of those lost.