LANCASTER, California (US): The 19-year-old suspect in the shooting deaths of four people, including two Filipino American siblings, at a burning home in Lancaster, California, has been charged with murder, arson and burglary.
Miguel Diego Sandoval of Lancaster has been charged with four counts of murder, one felony count of residential burglary and one felony count of arson, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Tuesday (Nov 26).
Sandoval was arrested last week.
On Nov 16, at approximately 1.30am, Sandoval allegedly burglarised the Lancaster residence of the victims – 29-year-old Christine Aca-ac, 24-year-old Janvi Maquindang, 23-year-old Matthew Montebello and 24-year-old Edwin Garcia – and shot them while they were sleeping, according to the DA’s office.
Sandoval then set fire to the house to cover up the crimes.
Aca-Ac and Maquindang, who were siblings, and Garcia were pronounced dead at the scene.
Garcia was Aca-Ac’s fiancé and Montebello was Maquindang’s partner, according to a GoFundMe page set up by the Fil-Am siblings’ family.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies rescued Montebello from the burning house, but he later died at the hospital from his injuries. Another victim also was present but was not injured, the DA’s office 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,” District Attorney Gascón said.
“This shooting has devastated the Lancaster community, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, who are suffering from this sudden incomprehensible loss. Prosecutors in our Major Crimes Division will work tirelessly to hold the perpetrator accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sandoval is scheduled to be arraigned Jan 27 at the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. He is being held without bail.
If convicted as charged, Sandoval faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
“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,” stated the GoFundMe page.
“The loss is overwhelming, and the pain of their absence is something we are struggling to bear every day.” - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
