Los Angeles County / AP
LANCASTER, Calif. (TCN) — A teen faces charges after allegedly killing four people, including two siblings, while they were sleeping.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, in the early hours of Nov. 16, authorities allege 19-year-old Miguel Sandoval burglarized a residence, where he 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. Following the shootings, Sandoval allegedly set the house ablaze to conceal his crimes.
Garcia, Aca-ac, and Maquindang were pronounced deceased at the scene. Deputies attempted to revive Montebello and pull him from the burning house, but he later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Prosecutors said another victim, who KTLA-TV reports is 16 years old, was in the home at the time, but she was unharmed.
Montebello’s mother told KABC-TV Sandoval allegedly used to date one of the younger siblings who lived in the residence.
On Nov. 26, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Sandoval faces 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.
Sandoval is set to be arraigned on Jan. 27 and remains held without bail. Sandoval faces a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole if convicted.
Gascón said, “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.”
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