A 19-year-old teen in California has been arrested and charged after he allegedly murdered four people sleeping at his ex's home and then set the house on fire in an attempt to hide the murders.
Miguel Sandoval, the 19-year-old, was accused of fatally shooting Matthew Montebello, 21; his partner Janvi Maquindang, 21; Maquindang's sister, Christine Aca-ac, 26; and her fiancee Edwin Garcia, 24, while they were sleeping inside a home in Lancaster on November 16.
In addition, Sandoval shot three dogs before he set the house on fire to cover his crimes, the LA District Attorney's Office said in a news release.
Did Anyone Survive the Shooting?
Only one person survived the murders, specifically Aca-ac and Maquindang's 16-year-old sister. She was home at the time of the crime but hid in a closet and called authorities when she heard gunshots around 1:30 a.m.
"The family member we have at the station heard the gunshots around 1:27 this morning... she stayed in her room because she was scared, and that's when deputies were able to locate her and extract her," LASD Lt. Steve Dejong said, as quoted by ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
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Firefighters responded to the scene at 1:43 a.m. and were able to put the fire out nearly an hour later. Three of the shooting victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Montebello was rescued and rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The 16-year-old survivor was rescued unharmed.
What Was the Motive Behind the Shooting?
In an interview with ABC 7, Montebello's mother said she recognized Sandoval as an ex-boyfriend of one of the younger siblings at the home. It was not clear whether the ex was one of those murdered by the 19-year-old.
Sandoval was arrested on November 21 and is being held without bail. He is facing six counts of felony for murder and arson, which could have a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole. His arraignment is scheduled for January 27.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Aca-ac and Maquindang to raise money for their funerals.
