In a shocking turn of events, 19-year-old Miguel Sandoval appeared in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday, November 26, to face murder and arson charges.
The young man is accused of brutally killing four people, including a couple and their friends, while they slept in their Lancaster, California home.
The Tragic Incident
On November 16, Sandoval allegedly broke into the victims’ home around 1:30 a.m. while they were fast asleep. He then shot them and set the house on fire to cover up his crimes before fleeing the scene. The victims, identified as Matthew Montebello, 21, his partner Janvi Maquindang, 21, Maquindang’s sister Christine Aca-ac, 26, and her fiancé Edwin Garcia, 24, tragically lost their lives that night.
A Brave Survivor
Miraculously, Aca-ac and Maquindang’s 16-year-old sister managed to survive the ordeal by hiding in her closet and calling 911. She heard the gunshots around 1:27 a.m. and stayed in her room, fearing for her life. Deputies were able to locate her and extract her from the house.
The Aftermath
Once authorities arrived at the scene, Garcia, Aca-ac, and Maquindang were pronounced dead. Montebello was rescued from the burning building but sadly succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Firefighters extinguished the fire by 2:30 a.m., but not before three dogs were also fatally shot.
The Investigation Continues
The motive behind the murders remains unknown, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the case. Sandoval was arrested on November 21 and is being held without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on January 27 and could face a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
A Family’s Grief
The victims’ families are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones. Montebello’s mother, Maria, remembered her son as a kind, loving child who was respectful, caring, and smart. A GoFundMe page was created by Aca-ac and Maquindang’s siblings to raise money for their siblings’ funerals. The page described Christine as a loving sister and a vibrant friend who lit up any room she entered, and Janvi as a bright and successful young man with a future full of promise.
This tragic incident has left a community in shock, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims. As the investigation continues, we will keep you updated on any developments in this heartbreaking case.