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

• Matthew Montebello, 21, Janvi Maquindang, 21, Christine Aca-ac, 26, and Edwin Garcia, 24, were murdered while they slept inside their Lancaster, Calif. home on Nov. 16
• Miguel Sandoval, 19, was arrested as a suspect on Nov. 21
• Sandoval appeared in court on Nov. 26 and was charged with six counts, including four counts of murder

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 Office press 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. 

Sandoval appeared in court shirtless, per photos obtained by The Daily Mail. Per the L.A. District Attorney site, court attendees are instructed not to wear shorts, tank tops, clothing that shows their stomachs, beachwear, flip-flops, or clothing with inappropriate words or signs.

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, per ABC 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, per KTLA.

Once the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s authorities arrived at the scene, Garcia, Aca-ac and Maquindang were pronounced dead. Authorities rescued Montebello from the burning building, but he later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

At 1:45 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to the house and extinguished the fire by 2:30 a.m., according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher, reports ABC 7.

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 told ABC7 she 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 a GoFundMe page to raise money for their siblings’ funerals.

“The loss is overwhelming, and the pain of their absence is something we are struggling to bear every day,” read the description. “Christine was a loving sister and a funny, vibrant, and deeply caring friend. She was loved by many for her infectious laughter, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She lit up any room she entered and always knew how to make others smile, even on the toughest 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.”

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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.