Jilted boyfriend killed ex and three roommates ‘while they peacefully slept in their beds,’ then lit house on fire to cover it up: Police

Earlier this month, a 19-year-old man in California is suspected of shooting his ex-girlfriend and three of her housemates while they were asleep, then setting the house on fire to hide his tracks.

Four counts of murder, one felony case of first-degree home burglary with a person present, and one felony act of arson of an inhabited structure or property were all brought against Miguel Diego Sandoval after his arrest, according to authorities.

Edwin Garcia, 24, Matthew Montebello, 23, Janvi Maquindang, 24, and Christine Aca-ac, 29, were named as the victims of the horrible killings. Aca-ac and Maquindang were sisters and brothers.

Prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office also said in a news release that the defendant used a firearm, committed several murders, and purposefully killed the victims by lying in wait.

Prosecutors claim that Sandoval broke into the victim’s residence in Lancaster, a community in northern Los Angeles County, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on November 16 in the 44500 block of N. Tabler Avenue. At the time, all four victims were asleep. Prosecutors say Sandoval then killed each of them.

In order to hide the crimes, Sandoval then set the house on fire, the release said. On the spot, Mr. Maquindang, Ms. Aca-ac, and Mr. Garcia were declared deceased. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies saved Mr. Montebello from the flaming residence, but he passed away in the hospital from his wounds.

A fifth individual in the house managed to flee the massacre unscathed, according to authorities.

First responders found the house entirely engulfed in flames when they arrived, according to Los Angeles CW affiliate KTLA. By 2:30 a.m., firefighters had managed to contain the fire, and when they went inside, they found the victims.

The 16-year-old sister of one of the fatalities was the only one to survive the horrific attack, according to Los Angeles ABC affiliate KABC. After hiding in her closet after hearing the gunshots, she reportedly dialed 911.

Around 1:27 this morning, a family member at the station reported hearing gunshots. According to Steve Dejong of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, who spoke to KABC, she stayed in her room out of fear, which is how deputies were able to locate and remove her.

According to the Daily Mail’s video, Sandoval showed up shirtless for his first court appearance this week. He was an ex-boyfriend of one of the housemates, according to KTLA, though more information regarding the relationship was not immediately available.

In an announcement of the charges, District Attorney George Gasc said, “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.”

The Lancaster community has been devastated by this shooting, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims who are dealing with this unexpected and unfathomable loss.

At the moment, Sandoval is being held without bond at the Los Angeles County Jail. On January 27, 2024, he is expected to appear in court for his arraignment.

Sandoval might receive a life sentence without the chance of release if found guilty.

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