Nov 16, 2024, Miguel Diego Sandoval, 19, allegedly murdered four people at their home. The victims were identified as Christine Aca-ac, 26, her brother Janvi Maquindang, 21, her fiancé Edwin Garcia, 24, and their housemate Matthew Montebello, 23. Sandoval later set the house on fire to get rid of the evidence.
In the early hours of Nov 16, Sandoval allegedly broke into a Lancaster home around 1:30 a.m. He robbed the house, shot the victims with a handgun while they were asleep, and proceeded to set the house on fire to cover up his crime.
According to Abc7, the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived shortly after the crime scene was engulfed in flames and extinguished the fire around 2:30 a.m. Three victims were declared dead at the scene, while Montebello was pulled from the fire but died the following day at the hospital.
Three dogs were also killed in the flames. A 16-year-old girl, the sister of Christine and Janvi, survived by hiding in a closet and called 911 for help.
Detective Steve Dejong of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Told Ktla, “Whatever happened in here seemed personal,” expressing the intentional nature of the attack. The arson, along with fatal shootings at the crime scene, added layers to the case.
Authorities turned their attention to Sandoval, the ex-boyfriend of a family member in the home. Following inquiries and interviews with neighbors and survivors, Sandoval was arrested on Nov 21 and is currently being held without bail.
Sandoval first appeared in a Los Angeles court to face charges on Nov 26, arriving shirtless and disregarding court instructions.
He has been charged with four counts of murder, arson of an inhabited property, and first-degree residential burglary with a person present. Prosecutors have included charges of ‘lying in wait’ and committing multiple murders, making him eligible for life imprisonment without parole upon conviction.
His case is scheduled for Jan 27, 2025, at the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse.
“This shooting has devastated the Lancaster community, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, who are suffering from this sudden, incomprehensible loss,” stated District Attorney George Gascon while announcing the charges.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of these four lives, including a brother and sister, who were callously shot as they peacefully slept in their beds.”
Christine and Janvi were described as warm and vibrant, Matthew as a talented musician and medical student, and Edwin as a great fiancé. They shared close bonds with each other.
Matthew’s mother, Maria Montebello, shared her grief, recalling how often he used to stop by her home despite juggling two jobs. Maria stated, “I want him to be remembered as a kind, loving child. Very respectful, caring, as a brother, as a gentle soul, very smart, very talented. He and his friends were making music… that’s how they hung out. They tried to be creative.”
Matthew’s brother, Roux Montebello, stated, “I am in shambles. I’m doing as good as you can expect. I may seem pretty composed now, but I’ve been crying all week.”
Neighbors described the area as a peaceful neighborhood where such violence was unimaginable. “It’s a real quiet area, so this is really shocking to us. We can’t wrap our minds around it because it’s insane,” said Hector Gonzalez, a neighbor.
