On Tuesday, Nov. 26, a teenager suspected of killing four people while they slept appeared in Los Angeles court to face murder and arson charges.
Miguel Sandoval, 19, was charged with six crimes, including four counts of murder, one felony act of first-degree residential burglary with a person present, and one felony count of arson of an inhabited structure or property, according to a news release from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.
Sandoval is suspected of murdering Matthew Montebello, 21, his lover Janvi Maquindang, 21, Maquindang’s sister Christine Aca-ac, 26, and Aca-ac’s fiancée Edwin Garcia, 24, inside their Lancaster, California home on November 16.
Sandoval appeared in court shirtless, according to images obtained by The Daily Mail. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s website, court participants are not permitted to wear shorts, tank tops, stomach-revealing apparel, beachwear, flip-flops, or clothing with obscene phrases or slogans.
Aca-ac and Maquindang’s 16-year-old sister was unharmed when she hid in the closet and contacted 911. The surviving family member was escorted to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office and stated that she heard gunshots at 1:27 a.m. “She stayed in her room because she was scared, and that’s when deputies were able to locate and extract her,” LASD Lt. Steve Dejong told ABC7.
Sandoval allegedly entered and burglarized the home at 1:30 a.m. when the residents were sleeping. He allegedly shot them and set fire to the house to conceal his crimes before fleeing the scene. He was later detained on November 21, according to KTLA.
Garcia, Aca-ac, and Maquindang were pronounced dead by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies when they arrived. Montebello was pulled from the burning building, but he died as a result of his injuries in hospital.
According to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher, firefighters were summoned to the house at 1:45 a.m. and the fire was out by 2:30 a.m., reported ABC 7.
Authorities also said that three dogs were fatally shot. The motive for the murders is unknown, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s investigation is still underway.
Montebello’s mother, Maria, told ABC7 that she recognized Sandoval’s name but had never met him. Maria told the news station that she only knew him as the ex-boyfriend of one of the younger siblings in the family.
“I want him to be remembered as a lovely and kind child. She described her late son as highly respectful, compassionate, a brother, a lovely soul, incredibly smart, and very gifted.
Jasmine, Kyle, and Kyleen, Aca-ac and Maquindang’s siblings started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for their funerals.
“The loss is overwhelming, and the pain of their absence is something we are struggling to bear every day,” according to the description. “Christine was a devoted sister, as well as a humorous, energetic, and truly compassionate friend. She was beloved by many for her contagious humor, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She brightened up whatever room she entered and knew how to make others happy, even on the most difficult days.”
“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.”
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.
