Man faces first-degree murder charge after setting victim ablaze at gas station: Sheriff
TAMPA, Fla. (CBS12) — A man faces a new charge of first-degree murder after deputies say the victim he set on fire succumbed to his injuries.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) said 34-year-old Earl Hargrove, Jr. was arrested after he threw gasoline on another man and set him ablaze.
According to investigators, on May 28 just after 4:30 p.m., two men were seen arguing with each other at a Mobil gas station at 14516 N 22nd Street.
Deputies said Hargrove bought a small amount of gasoline from the gas station, then proceeded to pour the gasoline on the victim and lit him on fire. First responders rushed the critically injured man to Tampa General Hospital, he was suffering from life-threatening injuries.
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Unfortunately, after a long battle, the sheriff's office said the victim, a man in his 60s, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The sheriff's office said Hargrove originally faced charges of aggravated battery great bodily harm and attempted murder in the first -degree. He is now facing additional charges of pre-meditated first-degree murder.
“A verbal argument should never escalate to this level of violence,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This suspect’s behavior is not only deplorable but will never be tolerated in our community. The suspect, in this case, is currently behind bars while we wait in anticipation for justice to be served."