A deadly attack inside a Lancaster home left four young adults and three dogs dead. Nearly two years later, the man accused of carrying it out has pleaded guilty and is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison.
On November 16, 2024, at approximately 1:30 a.m., deputies responded to the 44500 block of North Tabler Avenue in Lancaster, California, following reports of a shooting and house fire. Upon arrival, three people were found dead inside the residence. A 16-year-old was taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries, while another victim who escaped the burning home later died at a hospital.
The victims were identified as 21-year-old Janvi Maquindang, 25-year-old Christine Aca-ac, 24-year-old Edwin Garcia and 21-year-old Matthew Montebello.
Prosecutors said 19-year-old Miguel Diego Sandoval had recently ended a relationship with Janvi and Christine’s brother, Dillon Maquindang.
Investigators said Sandoval went to the Lancaster home where Dillon lived and waited outside until the occupants went to sleep. Dillon was not home at the time.
Sandoval then entered the residence and opened fire.
Prosecutors said he fatally shot Janvi, Christine, Edwin and Matthew before setting the house on fire and fleeing.
A 16-year-old who was inside the home managed to call 911 while hiding behind a locked bedroom door and was later rescued.
Janvi managed to escape the fire but later died from his injuries at a hospital.
Three dogs were also found dead inside the residence.
Prosecutors said Sandoval set the fire in an attempt to conceal the killings.
He was located and arrested hours later.
On November 26, 2024, Sandoval was charged in connection with the attack.
On August 13, 2026, 21-year-old Sandoval pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, arson of an inhabited structure or property, three counts of animal cruelty and two counts of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death.
He also admitted special-circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder by means of lying in wait.
Sandoval is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2026, to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
