The family of one of the four young men killed in a mass shooting and arson attack in Lancaster earlier this month is mourning their loss and celebrating 21 years with their loved one.
Matthew Montebello, a talented musician who was studying medicine, was also among the three victims, brothers Edwin Garcia, Christine Akaaku and Jambi Makidan, and a scorned ex-lover of the housemate. , allegedly shot and killed by 19-year-old Miguel. Sandoval said, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The violence unfolded on Nov. 16, when deputies were dispatched just before 1:30 a.m. to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 44500 block of Tabler Road in Lancaster.
When emergency personnel arrived at the home, it was engulfed in flames and heavy smoke.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel were able to successfully extinguish the fire and found five victims, three of whom suffered gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. Another victim, who also suffered gunshot wounds, died at the hospital.
The fifth victim, Akaaku and Makindan’s 16-year-old sister, was physically unharmed. She hid in a closet during the incident and called 911.
Investigators initially believed the young men were partying, but now they say the 19-year-old gunman broke into the home while everyone was asleep.
Authorities said Sandoval fled the home after the shooting and was arrested several hours later.
Matthew’s mother, Celeste Montebello, said the 21-year-old had just celebrated his birthday six days before the tragic incident.
Matthew Montebello in this undated photo. (Viewer Image) This undated family photo shows Matthew Montebello with his mother and younger brother. (Viewer image) Matthew Montebello in this undated photo. (Viewer Image) At 7 a.m. Saturday, detectives and Los Angeles County Fire Department arson investigators were seen searching the scene for evidence. (KTLA) A suspect is in custody after a deadly shooting and subsequent arson in Antelope Valley on November 16, 2024. November 16, 2024. (Don Luis Meza) A suspect is in custody for the shooting and subsequent arson. November 16, 2024, Antelope Valley. (Don Luis Meza) A suspect is in custody in connection with a Nov. 16, 2024 shooting and subsequent arson incident in Antelope Valley. (Don Luis Meza) Suspect is in custody. Shooting and subsequent arson in Antelope Valley on November 16, 2024. There’s a suspect. Nov. 16, 2024: Detention after shooting and subsequent arson in Antelope Valley. (Don Luis Meza) A suspect is in custody in connection with a fatal shooting and subsequent arson incident in Antelope Valley on November 16, 2024. (Don Luis Meza)
“Home is probably our safe place, but for someone to go there and do this to you while you’re sleeping hurts,” she told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw.
Matthew’s brother Andrew, who is just a year older, said they were best friends but the pain was unimaginable.
“Part of me is dead or dying,” he said. “I don’t think it will ever be the same.”
Andrew said Matthew was an origami expert, a math whiz and was very creative, earning him much admiration as a child.
“He’s full of personality, he’s so smart, he’s so quirky,” Celeste added.
While trying to overcome the excruciating pain of losing Matthew, Celeste and Andrew said they have one last message for the person who took their family away.
“I want this evil man to know that you failed, that he didn’t make this work,” Celeste told KTLA.
She added that even though Matthew is gone, he will continue to live on in others. Her son’s kidney is about to be taken to one of her friends to save her life.
“If the surgery is successful, it means that, God willing, I will be able to see my friends every day,” she said.
A GoFundMe campaign for the families of Matthew Montebello, Edwin Garcia, siblings Christine Akaaku, and Jambi Makidan was organized to help with the cost of restful sleep for their loved ones.
The case is scheduled to be submitted to the LA County District Attorney’s Office for consideration on November 25th.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
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