Related video: Previous coverage of the 2023 incident where a man was set on fire.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder following a 2023 incident at a Tampa gas station where he doused another man with gasoline and lit him on fire.
The 60-year-old victim’s family was in court Tuesday as Earl Hargrove Jr. accepted responsibility for the crime, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said.
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Earl Hargrove Jr. pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder after lighting a man on fire at a Tampa gas station. (Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
The victim suffered severe burns and died in the hospital weeks after the violent assault.
Investigators said it started with an argument between Hargrove and the victim on May 28, 2023, at the Mobil gas station on North 22nd Street.
At some point during the incident, Hargrove bought 50 cents worth of gasoline, poured it on the 60-year-old, and set him on fire.
Sheriff Chad Chronister released multiple statements in the aftermath, saying he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life” and calling Hargove’s actions “deplorable.”
After his guilty plea, Hargrove was sentenced to 40 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation, according to prosecutors.
“Our hearts remain with [the victim’s family] as they continue to grieve this loss,” the state attorney’s office said Tuesday.
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