Teen, 19, Accused of Murdering 4 While They Slept and Setting House on Fire to Cover Crime

Mar. 15, 2025

Victims Christine Aca-ac and Janvi Maquindang.Photo:gofundme

gofundme

A teenager accused of killing four people while they slept appeared in a Los Angeles court to face the murder and arson charges on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Miguel Sandoval, 19, was charged with six counts, including four counts of murder, one felony count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present, and one felony count of arson of an inhabited structure or property, according to an L.A. District Attorney Officepress release.

Sandoval is accused of killing Matthew Montebello, 21, Montebello’s partner Janvi Maquindang, 21, Maquindang’s sister, Christine Aca-ac, 26, and Aca-ac’s fiancée Edwin Garcia, 24, inside their Lancaster, Calif. home on Nov. 16.

Aca-ac and Maquindang’s 16-year-old sister was uninjured after she hid in the closet and called 911. The surviving family member was taken to the L.A. Sheriff’s office and said she heard the gunshots around 1:27 a.m. “She stayed in her room because she was scared, and that’s when deputies were able to locate her and extract her," said LASD Lt. Steve Dejong, perABC 7.

Around 1:30 a.m., Sandoval allegedly entered and burglarized the home while the residents were asleep. He then allegedly shot them and set the house on fire to cover-up his crimes. before fleeing the scene. He was later arrested on Nov. 21, perKTLA.

Christine Aca-ac, 26, and her fiancée Edwin Garcia, 24.gofundme

Three dogs were also fatally shot, according to authorities. The motivation for the murders remains unknown, and the L.A. Sheriff’s Department’s investigation is ongoing.

Montebello’s mother Maria toldABC7she recognized Sandoval’s name but never met him. Maria told the news station she only knew of him as an ex-boyfriend of one of the younger siblings in the house.

“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,” she said of her late son.

Aca-ac and Maquindang’s siblings Jasmine, Kyle and Kyleen created aGoFundMepage to raise money for their siblings’ funerals.

“Janvi was a bright and successful young man with a future full of promise,” continued the description. “Janvi was an incredible listener, always there when someone needed to talk things through. His kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”

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Sandoval is being held without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 27 and could face a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

source: people.com