Christine Asa-Ca , Edwin Garcia Obituary, Death: A 19-year-old man suspected of a deadly shooting at a burning home in Lancaster, California, has been arrested, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced Thursday. The tragic incident left four people dead.
The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday at a residence located in the 44500 block of North Tabler Avenue, near East Avenue J and Challenger Way. Firefighters were dispatched to the single-story home at 1:43 a.m., and the fire was extinguished by 2:20 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a fourth person, critically injured, was transported to a hospital, according to Lt. Steve De Jong of the sheriff’s homicide unit. The fourth victim succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the victims over the course of the investigation. On Monday, 26-year-old Christine Asa-Ca and 24-year-old Edwin Garcia were named. The following day, authorities identified 21-year-old Janvi Maquindang, a Lancaster man, as another victim who died at the scene. The fourth victim, who passed away at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, was identified Thursday as Matthew Montebello.
Investigators determined that Miguel Sandoval, 19, was the suspect behind the fatal shooting. He was taken into custody, though authorities have not released details about his motive or the circumstances leading up to the incident. The case has been submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.
The Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau continues to investigate the case. Officials encourage anyone with information to contact them at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or through the website lacrimestoppers.org.