A California man has pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges after authorities said he fatally sH๏τ four people and three dogs inside a Lancaster home in November 2024 before setting the property on fire. 🚨💔

The victims — Janvi Maquindang, 21, Matthew Montebello, 21, Edwin Garcia, 24, and Christine Aca-ac, 25 — were killed after going to bed inside the home on Nov. 16, 2024, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Miguel Diego Sandoval, now 21, pleaded guilty on Aug. 13 to carrying out the attack and setting the house ablaze, prosecutors said. ⚖️

Investigators determined that Sandoval, who was 19 at the time, had allegedly become angry after the end of a relationship with his former boyfriend. The former boyfriend was the brother of Aca-ac and Maquindang.

According to prosecutors, Sandoval allegedly waited outside the house until the victims had gone to bed before entering and carrying out the ᴅᴇᴀᴅly attack. He then allegedly set the home on fire and fled the scene. 🔥

A 16-year-old girl who was inside the house managed to call 911. Officers later rescued her from a locked room.

Police also said three dogs inside the home were fatally sH๏τ. 🐾💔

The four victims were remembered by their families as loving, talented and deeply cherished people.

Christine Aca-ac was described as a devoted older sister who served as the legal guardian of her four younger siblings. Her family remembered her as a funny, vibrant and compᴀssionate person who was a source of strength for those around her. ❤️

Janvi Maquindang was remembered as a high-school valedictorian with a bright future ahead. Loved ones described Janvi as an exceptional listener whose kindness, intelligence and sense of humor made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. 🎓💙

Edwin Garcia, who was engaged to Christine, was described by his family as a “gentle soul” and a source of happiness at family gatherings. He dreamed of becoming an educator and hoped to inspire future generations through both academics and music. 🎓🎶

Matthew Montebello, who was Janvi’s partner, was remembered as intensely curious and determined. His brother said Matthew would devote himself to learning new skills, often spending months mastering something before moving on to his next interest.

“He was taller than me” physically, his brother recalled, but said he also looked up to Matthew figuratively — a reflection of the special bond they shared. 💙🕊️

Sandoval pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, along with special-circumstance allegations involving multiple murders and murder by lying in wait.

He also pleaded guilty to attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, arson of an inhabited structure or property, three felony counts of animal cruelty and two counts of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death. ⚖️

Sandoval is scheduled to be sentenced in November to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

For the families of those lost, the guilty plea brings a measure of accountability — but it cannot erase the devastating loss of four loved ones and three innocent animals whose lives were taken in a single night. 💔🕊️🐾