Tallahassee, FL – A Florida man has been arrested for allegedly throwing hot cooking grease on his roommate during an argument over unwanted guests in their shared apartment. Police say the suspect, William Clark, 54, attacked his roommate while frying ribs, causing severe burns to the victim’s face, neck, and arm.
The Incident: Argument Escalates to a Violent Attack
According to a probable cause affidavit, the attack occurred on October 20 inside a Tallahassee residence shared by Clark and his roommate. The confrontation reportedly began when Clark became angry over the victim allowing visitors to use their home’s bathroom and shower.
Police said Clark gave the victim an ultimatum:
“Either you leave or I’m gonna make you leave.”
The victim, who was recording the altercation on his cellphone, can be heard responding, “You got this?” seconds before Clark allegedly hurled the scalding grease at him.
“The pan Clark is holding is visibly steaming from the heat of the grease,” the affidavit reads.
Investigators said the roommate suffered serious burns on the left side of his face, neck, and upper arm and had to be airlifted to a hospital ICU burn unit for treatment.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police reviewed the cellphone footage, which reportedly showed Clark walking toward the victim with the hot pan before launching it directly at him. The report described grease splattered throughout the hallway, as well as additional grease found in a pan still sitting on the stove.
Authorities said the victim had no possible escape route at the time of the attack.
After throwing the grease, Clark refilled the pan, allegedly in case he needed to “use it again,” according to investigators.
“Grease was found throughout the residence in the hallway where the victim said he was when Clark threw it,” police said in their report.
Court Proceedings and Conflicting Statements
Following the incident, Clark was arrested by the Tallahassee Police Department and charged with aggravated battery causing bodily harm.
During questioning, Clark reportedly gave multiple conflicting accounts of what happened. Initially, he claimed he threw the grease because the victim started recording him and refused to leave. Later, he said the roommate “stood up in a threatening manner and lunged” toward him.
However, officers noted that Clark was unable to explain what specifically made the victim’s behavior threatening. The affidavit further states that Clark admitted to “holding the pan of hot grease to use it as a weapon” and to “defend himself.”
Statements and Motive Behind the Attack
Clark told investigators that he had been frustrated for weeks over “ongoing disputes” with his roommate, accusing him of turning their home into a “drug zone.” A friend of both men told police that Clark was angry about guests using the bathroom and shower and had been “yelling” before the attack.
According to the affidavit, Clark’s behavior escalated from shouting to violence, ending with the deliberate act of throwing grease at his roommate while cooking.
“Clark first stated during questioning that he threw grease because the victim refused to leave,” police wrote. “Minutes later, he changed his story again.”
Background Context: Domestic Disputes and Extreme Reactions
Incidents involving domestic arguments escalating to violent acts are not uncommon, police say. In similar cases, household items or cooking equipment have been used as weapons in moments of rage. Experts note that hot grease and boiling liquids can cause third-degree burns in seconds, leaving victims with lifelong injuries.
Florida law treats aggravated battery with a deadly or harmful substance as a felony offense, carrying severe prison penalties if convicted.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Clark was booked into the Leon County Jail and later released on a $10,000 bond. The judge ordered him to stay away from the victim and to wear a GPS monitoring device.
He has since entered a plea of not guilty, and a court hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial. The victim remains hospitalized as of this week, undergoing specialized burn treatment and rehabilitation.
Authorities confirmed the investigation remains open, with prosecutors reviewing evidence, including the cellphone recording.
Conclusion
The shocking incident has raised concerns about escalating roommate conflicts and the dangers of violent outbursts inside shared living spaces. As William Clark awaits trial, the victim continues to recover from life-altering injuries caused by the attack.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
