Bishop sustained at least 1 gunshot wound

Police in the US have arrested a man in connection with the shooting dead of the bishop from Cork.

Glanmire-born Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell was killed over the weekend in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County.

The suspect, named as Carlos Medina during a police press conference, is the husband of the bishop's housekeeper.

During the press conference, Chief of Los Angeles County Sherriffs Department, Robert Luna, said the 69 year old bishop was pronounced dead at the scene.

Luna said the bishop had sustained at least 1 gunshot wound to the upper body while in the bedroom of his residence.

“At the time, the cause of death was unclear to our detectives, but appeared suspicious in nature. A firearm was not recovered at the scene, and there was no forced entry into the bishop's residence,” said Luna.

He continued: “Homicide investigators were called and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they reviewed evidence, conducted interviews and canvased the neighbourhood for surveillance video footage. Early Sunday morning, investigators from the Los Angelus County Coroner's Office arrived on scene and began their investigation alongside the detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, at which time it was determined that this incident was a murder.”

Luna said later that morning, detectives discovered surveillance footage showing a vehicle had pulled into the bishop's driveway, stayed for a short time and left the location.

The vehicle was described as a dark coloured compact SUV. That evening detectives received a tip there was a person of interest who resided in the city of Torrance.

“The person of interest was identified as Carlos Medina, a 65 year old male Hispanic,” said Luna.

He added: “Detectives were told by the tipster that they were concerned because Medina was acting strange, irrational, and made comments about the bishop owing him money. Medina is the husband of the bishop's housekeeper and the suspect had previously done work around the bishop's residence.

“A tipster told detectives Medina had left Los Angeles County and was believed to be in the central California area. Detectives authored a warrant for Medina's arrest and a search warrant for his residence. Homicide investigators served a warrant with the assistance of our major crimes bureau detectives.”

He continued: “Early this (Monday) morning (2am local time), we were alerted by a community member that Medina had returned to his residence. Carson Sheriff Station deputies, along with our major crime bureau detectives contained the location and conducted callouts for Medina to surrender. But he refused.

“He refused to come out of his residence. The original search warrant for his residence was amended by detectives, which enabled our special enforcement bureau to enter the location to arrest Medina and search his home. This morning our special enforcement bureau personnel arrived on scene and took over the tactical operation.”

Luna said additional callouts were made to Medina to surrender, and at approximately 8.15am, Medina exited his residence and was taken into custody without further incident.

As a result of the 2nd search warrant, detectives recovered 2 firearms and other evidence possibly linking Medina to the crime, Luna has said.

“The firearms will need to be examined and tested by our crime lab to determine if either of those firearms were used in the murder,” said Luna.

After news had broken about the death of Bishop O’Connell, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross expressed his “prayerful sympathy”.

He said the news has sent shockwaves across Diocese of Cork and Ross: “On behalf of the people, priests and religious of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my sympathies and prayerful support to the O’Connell family in Cork, to Archbishop José H Gomes and the people, priests and religious of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.” He added: “Since his ordination in 1979 Bishop David has served as a priest in Los Angeles but has always maintained his connection with family and friends here in Cork where has been a regular visitor.

“We pray that the Lord will console Bishop David’s many friends in Cork and throughout Ireland. We will pray for Bishop David at mass throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross in the coming days asking the Lord to comfort his family, his colleagues and all the bereaved.”

He concluded: “Bishop David worked tirelessly for peace and harmony in communities; may he now rest in the peace of the Lord.”