19-year-old arrested in shooting deaths of Fil-Am siblings inside burning home

Photo from GoFundMe

LANCASTER – A 19-year-old man suspected of shooting and killing four people, including two Filipino American siblings, at a burning Lancaster home has been taken into custody, authorities announced Thursday.

Miguel Sandoval of Lancaster, Calif., was arrested for the alleged murder of Janvi Maquindang, Christine Aca-ac, Edwin Garcia and Matthew Montebello.

Maquindang, 21, and Aca-ac, 26, were siblings. Garcia, 24, was Aca-ac’s fiancé and Montebello was Maquindang’s partner, according to a GoFundMe page set up by the siblings’ family.

The shooting occurred at 1:30 a.m. Saturday at a home in the 44500 block of North Tabler Avenue, near East Avenue J and Challenger Way, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Firefighters dispatched to the single-story home at 1:43 a.m. Saturday had the fire out at 2:20 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Maquindang, Aca-ac and Garcia were pronounced dead at the scene. Montebello was taken to a hospital, where he died Sunday, according to sheriff’s officials.

Investigators later identified Miguel Sandoval as the suspect and took him into custody.

Sheriff’s officials said the case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and is pending formal charges.

“Our family was struck by an unimaginable tragedy. Our beloved siblings Christine and Janvi were shot and killed in the privacy of their own home in Lancaster, CA, which was then set on fire,” stated the GoFundMe page.

“The loss is overwhelming, and the pain of their absence is something we are struggling to bear every day.”

Aca-ac was described by her family as “a loving sister and a funny, vibrant, and deeply caring friend.”

“She was loved by many for her infectious laughter, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She lit up any room she entered and always knew how to make others smile, even on the toughest days,” the GoFundMe page stated.

Maquindang, the valedictorian of his high school class, was described as “a bright and successful young man with a future full of promise.”

Anyone with information regarding the case was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org. (With CNS report)