> Loved ones of 4 killed in Plant City fire seek justice nine months after deaths
Loved ones of 4 killed in Plant City fire seek justice nine months after deaths
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Loved ones of a Plant City family said they're still waiting for justice months after a deadly house fire deputies said was intentional.
The accused killer Shawn Gossett was set to appear in court during a virtual hearing Friday but it was rescheduled for June. His defense is asking a judge to dismiss the case because of "permanent intellectual disability."
However, loved ones and state prosecutors believe Gossett can and should be restored to achieve competency for trial.
"I need justice for them," said Alex Bermudez, who was a friend of Chase Bowman since middle school.
Chase Bowman, his wife Jessica Bowman, her brother Joseph Clites, and their mother Judy Foster died late July from the fire.
Family friend Shaun Martinez said he was with the family just the day before they were found dead at their mobile home on the South County Line Road between M L Sanders Way and Forestview Drive.
Martinez said it's difficult to pass their home each time.
"If you're able to do a crime, you should get punished for it," Martinez said.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies stated Gossett, who was a resident of the home, admitted he started the blaze by using a BIC lighter to set paper towels on fire. Gossett was able to get out of the home and was not hurt by the fire, Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said.
Deputies said three dogs were also found dead as a result of the fire.
For now, loved ones said they're anxiously awaiting for the possibility of a trial.
"I love him. I miss him," Bermudez said of Chase Bowman. "I hope there's some day I see him."
Gossett's charges includes four counts of first-degree murder, along with aggravated cruelty to animals and arson.
Gossett's next hearing is slated for June 30.