CV NEWS FEED // A preliminary hearing date was scheduled for the man under suspicion for the February 2023 shooting death of beloved Los Angeles Bishop David O’Connell.
Angelus News reports that Carlos Medina was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting on February 20, 2023, after a 6-hour stand-off with police. He faces charges of one felony count of murder and a special allegation that he used a firearm.
Medina pleaded not guilty in March 2023. In his Aug. 6, 2024, court appearance, his preliminary court hearing was scheduled for Oct. 17.
In a 2023 press conference, District Attorney George Gascón said that Medina admitted to the killing. If he is found guilty, he could face up to 35 years in prison.
After Bishop O’Connell was late to a meeting, a deacon found him dead in his home in the Hacienda Heights. Medina’s wife was Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper.
Bishop O’Connell, who was originally from Ireland, spent the younger days of his priesthood serving in South LA, Angelus News reports. A year after his death, members of his diocese have started praying for his intercession.
At his memorial mass, Bishop O’Connell’s friend Msgr. Timothy Dyer encouraged the congregation to pray for his intercession for an end to violence, homelessness, and crime, especially in Los Angeles.
“I say we shouldn’t let Dave [Bishop O’Connell] rest at all. We should call on him all the time. I think he’d like that,” Msgr. Dyer exhorted.
