Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Los Angeles (Agenzia Fides) - On Saturday 18 February the Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, David O'Connell, died in Hacienda Heights. The news was confirmed by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, José H. Gomez who emphasizes that he is shocked and speaks of an unexpected death.
The community of Hacienda Heights is located 30 kilometers east of the city center in Southern California. The bishop's body, found just a few streets away from the Archdiocesan Church of St. John Vianney" was found with a fatal gunshot wound. Paramedics and local police pronounced the Auxiliary Bishop dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. However, there has been no confirmation or details about a possible suspect or motive for the murder.
Irish-born O'Connell was a priest and later a bishop in Los Angeles for 45 years. He was known for his work supporting immigrants, the poor, and victims of gun violence.
After a 1992 jury acquitted four white police officers of abusing Rodney King, an African American man, he also became the mediator between outraged residents and law enforcement. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 20/2/2023)
