Shirtless California Teen Makes Bizarre Court Appearance After Allegedly Slaughtering Four

A California teenager appeared shirtless in court to face charges of murdering his ex-girlfriend and three others in an attack that ended with him setting their home ablaze.

Miguel Sandoval, 19, is accused of killing four people inside a rental home in Lancaster, California, on November 16. The victims, Matthew Montebello, 21, his partner Janvi Maquindang, 21, his sister Christine Aca-ac, 26, and her fiancée Edwin Garcia, 24, were found shot dead after Sandoval allegedly entered the home while they were sleeping, Daily Mail revealed.

Authorities say he fled the scene but was apprehended hours later.

Sandoval also allegedly shot three dogs during the massacre. Deputies with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department arrived at the home around 1:30 a.m. to find it engulfed in flames. Upon entering, they discovered five gunshot victims. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth died later from their injuries at a hospital. A fifth victim, a 16-year-old sister of Aca-ac and Maquindang, survived after hiding in a closet and calling 911.

The motive for the killings remains unclear. However, Matthew Montebello's mother, Celeste, told KABC that Sandoval was known to her as the jilted ex-boyfriend of one of the younger housemates. Sandoval was taken into custody by deputies, but formal charges were not filed until Monday.

Now, family members of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the violence that has upended their lives. Celeste Montebello said her family is still reeling from the loss of her son, just six days after they celebrated his 21st birthday.

"The house is a safe place for us, supposedly, and for someone to go there and do this to him while they were sleeping, it hurts," she said.

Matthew's brother, Andrew, described the grief as "unimaginable" and shared how deeply the loss has affected him.

"Parts of me have died or are dying," he told KTLA. "I don't think I'm ever going to be the same."

Matthew was remembered by friends and family as a creative soul—a talented artist and musician with a gift for origami and math. One online fundraiser described him as "a great brother and loving son, always considering his own family and setting aside time despite their distance."

"He was a great artist and musician, who was able to convey his reality and memories through his art," the fundraiser read. During his time in the hospital, Matthew was left in a vegetative state before passing, with his kidneys donated to one of his mother's friends.

"I want him to be remembered as a kind, loving child," Celeste said. "Very respectful, caring, as a brother, as a gentle soul, very smart, very talented."

The families of the other victims also shared tributes to their lost loved ones. Edwin Garcia's family described him as "a pillar of joy and happiness" with great aspirations to pursue a career in education and music.

Christine Aca-ac was celebrated as a "loving sister and a funny, vibrant, and deeply caring friend" who served as the legal guardian for two younger siblings. "She was loved by many for her infectious laughter, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome," her family wrote in a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the grieving family.

Janvi Maquindang was remembered as a "bright and successful" young man, praised for his accomplishments as a valedictorian and his special bond with the two young siblings Christine raised.

In the wake of the killings, Celeste and Andrew Montebello had one final message for Sandoval.

"I want this evil man to know that you failed," Celeste said. "He didn't succeed in doing this."

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