In a tragic event that has shocked a California community, a 19-year-old man named M. Sandoval is accused of carrying out a heinous act that killed his ex-girlfriend and three of her roommates. Sandoval has been charged with 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 meticulously planned, stating that Sandoval intentionally killed the victims by lying in wait and executing the murders with a handgun while they slept.
The victims, E. Garcia, 24, M. Montebello, 23, J. Maquindang, 24, and C. Aca-ac, 29, were all asleep when the attack occurred. Maquindang and Aca-ac were siblings, which added to the tragedy of nearly wiping out an entire family in one fell swoop.
After shooting each victim, Sandoval allegedly set fire to the house in an attempt to destroy evidence of his crimes. While three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, Montebello was rescued from the burning house by first responders but died from his injuries later in the hospital.
There was also a fifth occupant in the house, a 16-year-old girl who thankfully survived the horror. According to reports, she heard the gunshots and hid in her closet, where she was able to dial 911.
This quick thinking could have saved her life when law enforcement arrived to find the house engulfed in flames. The sheriff’s office and firefighters reacted quickly. They were able to control the fire by 2:30 a.m., revealing the tragic scene inside the house.
Sandoval appeared in court, shirtless, for his initial hearing. It has been noted that he was an ex-boyfriend of one of the victims, implying a personal motive, though specifics of their relationship are unknown.
District Attorney G. Gascón offered his condolences, 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 emphasized the profound impact of this crime on the Lancaster community, as well as the victims’ families’ deep grief. Sandoval is currently being held without bond in the county jail, with an arraignment scheduled for January 27, 2024.
If convicted of all charges, he faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a sentence commensurate with the gravity of the crimes committed.
The community has banded together to support the bereaved families during this difficult time. Separate GoFundMe campaigns have been set up for each of the victims, including Maquindang and Aca-ac, Garcia, and Montebello, to assist with funeral costs and to support the families affected by this heinous crime.
This tragic event highlights the serious consequences of domestic and interpersonal violence, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues as well as the availability of firearms.
The community and authorities are left to wonder how such a tragedy could have been avoided, as well as how to keep other families from suffering the same fate.