Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Los Angeles (Agenzia Fides) - The Los Angeles County authorities have arrested the husband of a woman who worked as a housekeeper for Auxiliary Bishop David G. O'Connell, who was found dead in his home in Hacienda Heights on Saturday 18 February.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that investigators have linked Carlos Medina, the prime suspect, to the crime through surveillance video showing a vehicle at O'Connell's home at the time of the murder. The firearms were found at Medina's home in Torrance, while ballistics tests are still pending.
According to local press reports, an informant had told authorities that Medina was acting strangely after the murder and that he had claimed that the bishop owed him money.
Luna confirmed that the bishop was found in his bedroom with "at least one gunshot wound to the upper part of his body" and that there were no signs that they had forced their way into the house. Apparently, the person who called for medical help was a deacon who had come to O'Connell's home because he was late for a meeting. "Investigators are questioning the housekeeper, who has been fully cooperative".
Bishop O'Connell's death has affected the entire Los Angeles community. O'Connell was the founder and president of the Interdiocesan SoCal Immigration Task Force, which has helped many children who came to the United States unaccompanied.
(AP) (Agenzia Fides, 21/2/2023)
