HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 25-year-old man Wednesday in connection with an early-morning house fire that resulted in the deaths of four people.

The sheriff’s office charged Shawn Gossett 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.

“Our detectives and our deputies are feverishly working on the details and the motive as to why Mr. Gossett did such a thing," said Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer.

Officials said one person inside the house, which is about 100 yards off County Line Road in Plant City, called 911 around midnight.

As Hillsborough County Fire Rescue worked to extinguish the fire, firefighters discovered four deceased adults inside the home, along with three dogs, officials said.

During the investigation, sheriff detectives learned Gossett, who also resides at the home, started the fire intending to burn the house down. He told deputies that he used a lighter to set paper towels on fire.

“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.”

Alex Bermudez said he went to school with Gossett and two of the victims and said he wants answers. Shaun Martinez also said he was close with two of the victims.

“I started crying, I called my mom and told her about it," Martinez said.

Martinez said he lost three relatives in a fire last year and that the two families helped each other in times of need.

The sheriff’s office is collaborating with the Medical Examiner’s Office and fire rescue to positively identify the victims.

The investigation remains ongoing.