LANCASTER – A 19-year-old man suspected of shooting at a burning Lancaster home and killing four people has been taken into custody, authorities announced Thursday.
The shooting occurred at 1:30 a.m. Saturday at a home in the 44500 block of North Tabler Avenue, near East Avenue J and Challenger Way, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.
Firefighters dispatched to the single-story home at 1:43 a.m. Saturday had the fire out at 2:20 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a fourth person was taken to a hospital from the location in critical condition, sheriff’s homicide Lt. Steve De Jong told City News Service on Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified two of the shooting victims Monday as 26-year-old Christine Asa-Ca and 24-year-old Edwin Garcia.
On Tuesday, the medical examiner’s office identified the third person who died at the scene as Janvi Maquindang, a 21-year-old Lancaster man, and also said a fourth person died at a hospital at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
He was identified by sheriff’s officials Thursday as Matthew Montebello.
Investigators later identified Miguel Sandoval as the suspect and took him into custody.
Sheriff’s officials said the case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and is pending formal charges.
Anyone with information regarding the case was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
