California – In a tragic event that has shocked a community in California, a 19-year-old man, identified as M. Sandoval is accused of perpetrating a heinous act that claimed the lives of his ex-girlfriend and three of her roommates. Authorities have charged Sandoval with four counts of murder, alongside additional charges of first-degree residential burglary with a person present and arson of an inhabited structure or property.
The gruesome incident unfolded in the early hours of November 16, when Sandoval allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s residence. The DA’s Office described the attack as meticulously planned, noting that Sandoval intentionally killed the victims by lying in wait, using a handgun to execute the murders as the victims slept.
The victims, E. Garcia, 24, M. Montebello, 23, J. Maquindang, 24, and C. Aca-ac, 29, were all asleep at the time of the attack. Maquindang and Aca-ac were siblings, adding a layer of tragedy as an entire family was almost wiped out in one fell swoop. After shooting each victim, Sandoval reportedly set the house on fire in an attempt to obliterate evidence of his crimes. While three victims were declared dead at the scene, Montebello was rescued from the burning house by first responders but succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital.
There was also a fifth occupant in the house, a 16-year-old girl, who fortunately managed to escape the horror unscathed. According to reports, she heard the gunshots and hid in her closet, where she was able to call 911. This quick thinking may have saved her life as law enforcement arrived to find the home engulfed in flames. The response by the sheriff’s office and firefighters was swift. They managed to control the blaze by 2:30 a.m., revealing the tragic scene inside the home.
Sandoval made an appearance in court, arriving shirtless for his initial hearing. It has been noted that he was an ex-boyfriend of one of the victims, suggesting a possible motive rooted in personal relationships, though specific details of their relationship remain under wraps.
District Attorney G. Gascón expressed his condolences, stating, “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 emphasized the profound impact this crime has had on the Lancaster community and the immense grief of the victims’ families. Sandoval is currently held without bond in the county’s jail, with his arraignment scheduled for January 27, 2024. If convicted of all charges, he faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a sentence that reflects the gravity of the crimes committed.
The community has rallied to support the bereaved families during this difficult time. Separate GoFundMe campaigns have been established for each of the victims, including Maquindang and Aca-ac, Garcia, and Montebello, to help with funeral expenses and to support the families affected by this devastating crime. This tragic event highlights the profound effects of domestic and interpersonal violence, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health issues and the availability of firearms. The community and authorities alike are left to ponder how such a tragedy could have been prevented and how to protect other families from similar fates.
