By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-22 17:00:34 | Updated at 2024-11-24 01:36:45
1 day ago
A California teenager allegedly gunned down a brother and sister and their partners in a horror mass shooting before setting their home on fire and fleeing.
Miguel Sandoval, 19, was captured by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department hours after deputies discovered a brutal scene at a home in Lancaster, around 1:30am on November 16.
The home was engulfed in flames, and five victims were found inside, three of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
A fourth victim died later in hospital, while a fifth, a 16-year-old girl, was found uninjured but hiding and fearing for her life inside the burning building.
The victims were identified by authorities five days later, named as Christine Aca-ac, her fiancée Edwin Garcia, Christine's brother Janvi Maquindang, and his partner Matthew Montebello.
Cops said Sandoval also shot the family's three dogs dead in the horrific spree.
The motivation for the grisly killing is unclear, and police said their investigation remains open as they appealed to the public for information.
Christine Aca-ac, her partner Edwin Garcia, (pictured together) were shot dead alongside her brother and her brothers' fiancée in a horror mass shooting last week in Lancaster, California
Christine's brother Janvi Maquindang and his fiancée Matthew Montebello (pictured together) were killed in the spree along with the family's three dogs
The killer, named as Miguel Sandoval, 19, by police, allegedly then set the home on fire and fled the scene before he was arrested hours later
Sandoval was taken into custody by the LASD, however he has not yet been charged, and charges against him are due to be brought to the district attorney on Monday.
Detectives said they believe the home where the shootings took place held a party earlier that evening, however it is unclear if Sandoval was a guest or showed up uninvited later in the evening.
Cops added that Sandoval was 'known to' the victims, although it is not known in what capacity.
The 16-year-old surviving victim reportedly called 911 shortly before 1:30am on the night of the shooting, after Sandoval allegedly opened fire on guests inside.
The four deceased victims were each found with several gunshot wounds, with the fourth dying in hospital hours later after being raced from the scene by paramedics.
Firefighters remained at the home and extinguished the fire around 2am. It is not clear what method Sandoval used to allegedly set the home ablaze.
In a GoFundMe set up to help the victims' families, a relative said the 'loss is overwhelming, and the pain of their absence is something we are struggling to bear every day.'
The fundraiser said Christine was the legal guardian to two of her younger siblings, and 'was a loving sister and a funny, vibrant, and deeply caring friend.'
The family's three dogs (pictured) were also shot dead in the horror mass shooting, with cops saying the motive for the slayings remains unclear
Christine was described by her family as a 'loving sister and a funny, vibrant, and deeply caring friend' who was the legal guardian for her two younger siblings
Janvi was praised as a 'bright and successful' young man who graduated as a valedictorian of his high school class
A family friend shared a touching tribute to the victims vowing 'justice will be served'
'She was loved by many for her infectious laughter, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome', it read, saying as legal guardian she 'devoted her life to raising them in a loving, stable home.'
Janvi was praised as a 'bright and successful' young man who graduated as a valedictorian of his high school class.
They said he was also a 'special soul' to the two young siblings Christine was legal guardian for, who have now been 'left without their protector and guiding force.'
Janvi's fiancée Matthew was the one raced from the scene. His GoFundMe noted that while in hospital, he was left in a vegetative state for a time as his organs were donated.
'Matthew was a great brother and loving son, always considering his own family and setting aside time despite their distance. He was a great artist and musician, who was able to convey his reality and memories through his work,' the fundraiser read.
Edwin's family described him as a 'pillar of joy and happiness', who 'had great aspirations to pursue a career as a educator both in academics and music.'
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
