An incredible bloodshed shocked the US state of California: a 19-year-old broke into a house at night, shot four young people there and then set fire to the building to cover his tracks. The suspect, the ex of one of the victims, appeared in the courtroom with his upper body naked.
The gruesome crime took place on November 16: 19-year-old Miguel Diego Sandoval is accused of murdering 21-year-old Matthew Montebello, his partner Janvi Maquindang (21), his sister Christine Aca-ac (26) and her fiancé Edwin Garcia, 24, at her home in Lancaster.
Photos of all victims:
Girl survived bloody crime hidden in closet
He may have sneaked into the victim’s home while everyone was sleeping. Sandoval then allegedly set the house on fire “to cover up the crimes,” the prosecutor announced. Three dogs were also reportedly shot in the bloody act. Another housemate (16), who was also in the building, was able to hide in the cupboard and call 911. She survived the massacre.
The suspect’s motive is still unknown. However, Montebello’s mother told television station KABC that Sandoval was an ex-boyfriend of one of the victims. Just a few hours after the bloody crime, he was arrested. He appeared in court for the first hearing without outer clothing and showed his bare upper body.
Life imprisonment looms
Prosecutors charged Sandoval with four counts of murder, first-degree home invasion in the presence of a person and arson of an occupied building. The suspect will then be summoned to court on January 27. He was not given the opportunity to be released on bail. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
