Florida fugitive captured, arrested hours after Floral City fire sparked deadly stabbing investigation: CCSO

Manhunt over after man starts deadly fire

A man was captured after Citrus County deputies say he set multiple fires, including igniting his own home, before stabbing another man to death early Tuesday morning. FOX 13's Genevieve Curtis reports.

FLORAL CITY, Fla. - A man was captured and arrested after Citrus County deputies say he set multiple fires, including igniting his own home, before stabbing another man to death early Tuesday morning.

What we know:

According to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, the situation began shortly after midnight, when crews responded to a reported house fire on East Hawk Lane. Investigators identified William Michael Larsen, 37, as the homeowner, but say he was not at the scene when they arrived. He was later located and questioned about the fire.

Several hours later, at approximately 6:13 a.m., deputies received another call from the same area reporting that Larsen had returned and set fire to a nearby shed, CCSO said.

Deputies say a man in the home tried to put out the flames when Larsen allegedly stabbed them. The victim was found near the shed with stab wounds and burns to his body. He died at the scene. 

According to investigators, Larsen is accused of first setting his own home on fire, then attempting to burn a neighboring property, both owned by his mother. Family members say the victim was his mother’s long-time boyfriend, who was trying to stop him.

Following the stabbing, deputies say Larsen left in a white GMC pickup truck, prompting a search for him.

Initially, deputies believed he was heading to St. Augustine or Hudson.  

Courtesy: Citrus County Sheriff's Office

Dig deeper:

As deputies searched, a heavy law enforcement presence flooded nearby trails in the Withlacoochee State Forest.

"It was an all-hands-on-deck approach," Sheriff David Vincent said.

Witnesses described the scene as intense.

"They were here in force," said Robert Burkhalter, who was working with hunters in the forest.

Investigators located Larsen’s abandoned vehicle near a trailhead around 4 p.m on Tuesday, but say he was still on the move.

"Obviously anyone in this state of mind to take another person's life, they're unpredictable," Vincent said.

Roughly eight hours after the search began, deputies tracked Larsen back to Floral City — near where the fires started, and took him into custody.

Larsen faces multiple felony charges, including arson and first-degree premeditated murder. Officials say additional charges could be added as the investigation continues.

Courtesy: Citrus County Sheriff's Office

What we don't know:

The victim's identity has not been made public. 

Sheriff Vincent says investigators are still working to determine a motive.

What you can do:

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 352-249-2790.