LANCASTER, California — A 19-year-old man faces serious charges following the death of four people including two Filipino-American siblings in Lancaster, California.
Miguel Diego Sandoval stands accused of multiple crimes including murder, arson, and burglary, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón.
The incident took place on November 16, around 1:30 a.m.
According to information released by the District Attorney’s office, Sandoval allegedly broke into a home in Lancaster and proceeded to shoot the occupants while they were asleep.
The victims were identified as Christine Aca-Ac, 29, Janvi Maquindang, 24, Matthew Montebello, 23, and Edwin Garcia, 24.
Following the shootings, Sandoval is accused of setting the house on fire in an attempt to obscure the crime. Aca-Ac and Maquindang were siblings, and Garcia was Aca-Ac’s fiancé, while Montebello was Maquindang’s partner.
Aca-Ac, Maquindang, and Garcia were declared dead at the location. Montebello, who was rescued by deputies from the burning home, succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital. Another individual reportedly present at the scene emerged unscathed, as confirmed by the district attorney’s office.
District Attorney Gascón expressed sorrow over the loss, “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.”
Gascón assured that the Major Crimes Division prosecutors would be diligent in ensuring justice is served.
Sandoval’s arraignment is scheduled for January 27 at the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. He remains in custody without bail.
If convicted of the charges, Sandoval could potentially face life imprisonment without parole, according to the district attorney’s office. The case is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In an emotional statement posted on the GoFundMe platform, the family of the Filipino American siblings expressed their anguish.
“Our family was struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Our beloved siblings Christine and Janvi were shot and killed in the privacy of their own home in Lancaster, CA, which was then set on fire,” the statement reads. It continues, conveying the family’s struggle with the overwhelming loss and the enduring pain of their absence.
This incident has captured significant attention, reflecting the severity of the charges and the impact of the crime on those related to the victims and the wider community in Lancaster.
