Overview
- The defendant, identified in court records as Diego Sandoval and described in coverage with two different first names, pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstance allegations of multiple murder and lying in wait.
- Prosecutors said Sandoval also admitted to attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary, arson of an inhabited structure, three counts of animal cruelty, and two counts of child abuse.
- According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Sandoval waited outside a Lancaster home in November 2024, entered after the occupants were asleep, fatally shot Janvi Maquindang, Christine Aca-ac, Edwin Garcia, and Matthew Montebello, then set the house on fire.
- A 16-year-old inside called 911 from a locked bedroom and was rescued by sheriff’s deputies, two other minors were trapped but not injured, and prosecutors say three family dogs were killed in the blaze.
- The guilty plea removes a trial and means the Nov. 17 hearing will focus on sentencing, victim impact statements, the prosecutor’s request for life without parole, and any factual recitation entered by the parties.