Suspect accused of killing Fil-Am brothers in burning house

Filipino American sisters Christine Aca-Ac (left) and Janvi Maquindang / Photo from GoFundMe

LANCASTER, Calif. – 19-year-old suspect hit the dead One of four people, including two Filipino American brothers, in a burning house in Lancaster, California, has been charged with murder, arson and burglary.

Miguel Diego Sandoval of Lancaster has been charged with four counts of murder, one count of felony residential burglary and one count of felony arson, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Tuesday. Sandoval was arrested last week.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on November 16, Sandoval allegedly broke into the Lancaster home of the victims: 29-year-old Christine Aca-ac, 24-year-old Janvi Maquindang, 23-year-old Matthew Montebello, and the 24-year-old victims. He shot 12-year-old Edwin Garcia and them while they slept, according to the DA’s office. Sandoval then set the house on fire to cover up the crimes.

Aca-Ac and Maquindang and Garcia, who were brothers, were pronounced dead at the scene. Rumor has it that Garcia was Aca-Ac’s fiancee and Montebello was Maquindang’s partner. GoFundMe page It was founded by the Fil-Am brothers’ family.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies rescued Montebello from the burning home, but he later died at the hospital from his injuries. Another victim was also present but was not injured, the DA’s office said.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of these four individuals, including a brother and sister who were brutally shot while sleeping peacefully in their beds,” said District Attorney Gascón.

“This attack has devastated the community of Lancaster and our hearts go out to the families of the victims who are suffering this sudden, incomprehensible loss. “Prosecutors in our Major Crimes Division will work tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Sandoval is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 27 at the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. He is being held without bail.

If convicted, Sandoval faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“Our family has been shaken by an unimaginable tragedy. “Our beloved sisters, Christine and Janvi, were shot to death in the privacy of their own home in Lancaster, CA, which was then set on fire.” GoFundMe page.

“The loss is immense and the pain of their absence is something we try to endure every day.”