LOS ANGELES, CA – The family of a 21-year-old man killed in a tragic mass shooting and arson in Lancaster earlier this month is mourning his loss while cherishing memories of the vibrant life he led.
Matthew Montebello, a talented musician and aspiring medical professional, was among four victims killed in the Nov. 16 attack. The others were Edwin Garcia, 22, and siblings Christine Aca-ac, 18, and Janvi Maquindang, 20. Authorities have identified the alleged gunman as 19-year-old Miguel Sandoval, the ex-boyfriend of a housemate.
Deadly Night of Violence
Los Angeles County deputies responded to reports of a shooting at a home on the 44500 block of Tabler Avenue at around 1:30 a.m. Firefighters arriving at the scene found the home engulfed in flames.
After extinguishing the blaze, authorities discovered five victims. Three had suffered fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim died later at the hospital.
The fifth individual, the 16-year-old sister of Aca-ac and Maquindang, survived by hiding in a closet and calling 911, officials said.
Authorities believe Sandoval entered the home while the victims were sleeping and began shooting. Sandoval fled the scene but was apprehended hours later.
The case is scheduled to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Nov. 25.
Family Remembers Matthew
Montebello’s family described him as a brilliant, creative, and compassionate young man.
“The house is supposed to be a safe place, and for someone to go there and do this to him while they were sleeping, it hurts,” said his mother, Celeste Montebello, who had celebrated her son’s birthday just days before the incident.
His brother Andrew, just a year younger, described Matthew as his best friend. “Parts of me have died or are dying,” he said. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be the same.”
Matthew’s family said he was a math prodigy, an origami artist, and a person filled with personality and quirks that endeared him to everyone around him.
In her grief, Celeste shared that Matthew’s legacy would continue through organ donation. Her son’s kidneys are being donated to a friend in need.
“It means I can see my friend every day, God willing, if the surgeries are successful,” she said.
GoFundMe campaigns have been organized to assist the families of Montebello, Garcia, and the Aca-ac siblings with funeral expenses.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
