Arrest Made in Murder of Bishop David O’Connell

On Saturday, Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell was shot and killed in his own home. Now, authorities announced that they have arrested 65-year-old Carlos Medina in connection with the crime.

During a press conference, LASD Sheriff Robert Luna shared that Medina is a Hispanic male and is the husband of the housekeeper who works for O’Connell. It’s unclear whether the housekeeper was employed directly by O’Connell or the archdiocese.

Police had identified Medina as a person of interest after receiving a tip that he was exhibiting strange and irrational behavior and had made comments about the bishop owing him money. Detectives also found video evidence showing a dark-colored, compact SUV that pulled into the bishop’s driveway, stayed for a short time and left. Interestingly, Medina drove a similar type of vehicle.

Despite the evidence against him, when deputies arrived at Medina’s home, he initially refused to surrender, prompting the Special Enforcement Bureau personnel to arrive at the scene with an amended warrant. However, Medina eventually surrendered at around 8:15 am without further incident.

During a search of his home, detectives found firearms and other possible evidence that could link Medina to the crime. The weapons will be tested in a crime lab to determine whether they were used in the murder.

When deputies arrived at O’Connell’s home, they found him with at least one gunshot wound to his upper body in his bedroom. There was no evidence of forced entry or burglary, and no firearm was found at the scene. It’s unclear what motive Medina may have had for committing the crime.

At the press conference, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez expressed his sadness over the loss of Bishop O’Connell, who had served the city for more than 40 years with compassion and love for the poor, homeless, and immigrants. The bishop was a good priest, bishop, and a man of peace.

Pray for the soul of Bishop O’Connell!

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