In a terrible event that has shaken a California community, a 19-year-old man, identified as M. Sandoval, is accused of carrying out a horrible act that killed his ex-girlfriend and three of her roommates. The charges against Sandoval include four counts of murder, first-degree residential burglary with a person present, and arson of an inhabited structure or property.
The horrific incident occurred in the early hours of November 16, when Sandoval allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home. The DA’s Office described the attack as methodically planned, stating that Sandoval purposely killed the victims by lying in wait and executing the killings with a revolver while they slept.
The victims, E. Garcia, 24, M. Montebello, 23, J. Maquindang, 24, and C. Aca-ac, 29, were all asleep when the incident occurred. Maquindang and Aca-ac were siblings, which added to the horror of nearly wiping out an entire family in one fell swoop. After shooting each victim, Sandoval allegedly set fire to the residence in an attempt to destroy proof of his crimes. First responders pulled Montebello from the flaming house, but he later died from his injuries in the hospital.
There was also a fifth inhabitant in the residence, a 16-year-old girl who thankfully survived the ordeal. According to reports, she heard the gunshots and hid in her closet, where she was able to dial 911. This rapid thinking could have saved her life when law officers came to find the house engulfed in flames. The sheriff’s office and firefighters reacted quickly. They were able to contain the fire by 2:30 a.m., revealing the horrific scene inside the house.
Sandoval appeared in court, shirtless, for his initial hearing. It has been observed that he was an ex-boyfriend of one of the victims, implying a personal motive; however, specifics of their connection are unknown.
District Attorney G. Gascón offered his sympathies, saying, “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.” He underscored the terrible impact of this tragedy on the Lancaster community, as well as the victims’ families’ deep sadness. The county jail is currently holding Sandoval without bond, with his arraignment scheduled for January 27, 2024. If convicted of all charges, he risks life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a term commensurate with the gravity of the offenses committed.
The community has banded together to support the grieving families during this terrible time. We have set up separate GoFundMe pages for each victim, including Maquindang and Aca-ac, Garcia, and Montebello, to help with burial costs and support the families devastated by this heinous murder. This terrible episode highlights the serious consequences of domestic and interpersonal violence, emphasizing the significance of addressing mental health concerns as well as the availability of firearms. The community and authorities grapple with the question of how to prevent such a tragedy and prevent other families from experiencing the same fate.
