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DA Gascón Announces Man Charged with Murder of Four Adults in Lancaster Mass Shooting, House Fire

DA Gascón Announces Man Charged with Murder of Four Adults in Lancaster Mass Shooting, House Fire 600 169 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
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November 26, 2024

Media Relations Division
213-257-2000
media@da.lacounty.gov

DA Gascón Announces Man Charged with Murder of Four Adults in Lancaster Mass Shooting, House Fire

Miguel Diego Sandoval is charged with murdering four people in Lancaster on November 16

LANCASTER, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Miguel Diego Sandoval is charged with murdering Edwin Garcia, Matthew Montebello, and siblings Janvi Maquindang and Christine Aca-ac, all in their 20s, at a home in the city of Lancaster on November 16.

“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,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This shooting has devastated the Lancaster community, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, who are suffering from this sudden incomprehensible loss. Prosecutors in our Major Crimes Division will work tirelessly to hold the perpetrator accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Miguel Diego Sandoval (DOB 1/21/2005) is charged in case 24AVCF01785 with four counts of murder; one felony count of first-degree residential burglary with person present; and one felony count of arson of an inhabited structure or property.

It is further alleged that the defendant intentionally killed the victims by means of lying in wait, committed multiple murders, and used a handgun. It also is alleged that another person, other than the accomplice, was present in the residence during the commission of the burglary.

On November 16, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Sandoval allegedly burglarized the Lancaster residence where the victims were sleeping and shot 24-year-old Edwin Garcia, 23-year-old Matthew Montebello, 29-year-old Christine Aca-ac; and Aca-ac’s brother, 24-year-old Janvi Maquindang. Sandoval then set fire to the house to cover up the crimes. Mr. Garcia, Ms. Aca-ac, and Mr. Maquindang were pronounced dead at the scene. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies rescued Mr. Montebello from the burning house, but he later died at the hospital from his injuries. Another victim also was present but was not injured.

Sandoval is scheduled to be arraigned January 27 in Dept. A1 of the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. He is being held without bail.

If convicted as charged, Sandoval faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

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