Florida Man Accused of Throwing Hot Grease on Roommate Over Unwanted Guests While Frying Ribs

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — A 54-year-old Florida man was arrested after allegedly throwing boiling grease on his roommate during an argument over unwanted house guests — and then refilling the pan to use it again, according to a police affidavit.

Authorities say William Clark, of Tallahassee, faces a charge of aggravated battery causing bodily harm following the October 20 attack inside the shared residence.

Dispute Over Guests Turns Violent

Police said the confrontation started when Clark became angry that his roommate had invited people into their home to use the bathroom and shower — something Clark believed was turning the apartment into a “drug zone.”

According to the probable cause affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, the roommate began recording the heated exchange on his cellphone as Clark stood in the kitchen frying ribs.

“Either you leave or I’m gonna make you leave,” Clark allegedly told his roommate before walking toward him holding a pan of steaming hot grease.

Seconds later, Clark allegedly threw the scalding grease onto his roommate, who screamed in pain as it splattered across his face, neck, and upper arm, causing severe burns.

“You got this?” the victim asked right before being doused, according to the video reviewed by police.

The victim, who had “no mode of retreat,” was airlifted to a nearby hospital and remains in an ICU burn unit recovering from serious injuries.

‘He Refilled the Pan to Use It Again’

Officers found grease splattered throughout the hallway of the home and another pan of hot grease on the stove — evidence that Clark had refilled it after the first attack.

“Clark refilled the grease in case he had to use it on [the victim] again,” investigators wrote in their report.

During questioning, Clark gave three different accounts of what happened. At first, he claimed he threw the grease because his roommate “started recording and yelling.” Later, he said the victim “stood up in a threatening way” and “lunged” at him.

However, officers noted that Clark was “unable to articulate what was threatening” and admitted that he “held the pan as a weapon to defend himself.”

Ongoing Disputes Inside Shared Home

Friends told police the two men had longstanding arguments about guests being brought over. Clark reportedly accused his roommate of letting people “use drugs and hang out,” while the victim said Clark was “always angry and controlling.”

Police said there was no evidence of drugs or weapons inside the home, only cooking supplies and grease stains.

Arrest and Charges

Clark was arrested by the Tallahassee Police Department and booked into the Leon County Jail. He has since been released on a $10,000 bond under the condition that he stay away from the victim and wear a GPS ankle monitor.

He has entered a plea of not guilty.

Do you think a $10,000 bond is fair for such a violent attack, or should courts take grease-related assaults more seriously? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.