LOS ANGELES – Southern California is in shock and mourning following the tragic death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, a prominent Roman Catholic leader who was shot and killed just blocks from a church in Los Angeles. The shooting occurred on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, and has left the local community reeling.
According to the Guardian, the priest fondly called “Peacemaker” was found with a gunshot wound to his torso in Hacienda Heights around 1 p.m. Saturday, and was pronounced dead at the scene. “We can only imagine how the community is suffering because of this senseless murder.”, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a Facebook post.
In the wake of his untimely death, tributes have been pouring in from across the region and beyond. Bishop O’Connell was a respected and beloved figure in the Roman Catholic community, known for his compassion, wisdom, and dedication to his faith. Many have expressed shock and disbelief at the senseless act of violence that took his life, and are calling for swift justice to be served.
Many have expressed shock and disbelief on social media at the violence act that took his life, and are calling for swift justice to be served.
LA Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell was fatally shot in his chest! What is going on? pic.twitter.com/wNhSkK4ezA
— Dr Taylor Marshall™️ (@TaylorRMarshall) February 19, 2023
Los Angeles Police Department officials have launched an investigation into the shooting and are currently looking for any leads or witnesses that can help them identify the perpetrator. In a press conference, LAPD Chief called the shooting “a senseless act of violence that has robbed our community of a beloved spiritual leader.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, but have not yet identified a suspect or motive. In the meantime, Bishop O’Connell’s family, friends, and colleagues are left to mourn his passing, and the community at large is left to grapple with yet another tragic act of violence. The news of Bishop O’Connell’s death has been met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from the Catholic community and beyond. Many have expressed their shock and sorrow over the loss of a spiritual leader who had touched the lives of so many.
Suspect Claims O’Connell Owed Him Money
It has been reported that a suspect, Carlos Medina, aged 65 who happened to be the husband of the bishop’s housekeeper, was arrested on Monday.
In a press conference, Sheriff Robert Luna from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department revealed that Medina had once carried out some works in the bishop’s home in San Gabriel valley. According to him, Medina claimed that bishop O’Connell owed him some amount of money.
The Sheriff further revealed that the murder was connected to Medina through surveillance footage that showed a vehicle in the bishop’s home around the time of the murder. According to the premier, the weapons which were found at his home in Torrance are awaiting ballistic results. Sources had it that the suspect has been cooperating with the detectives in charge of the case, while the reason for the murder is still under investigation.
The shooting has raised concerns about security at religious institutions, and many are calling for increased measures to ensure the safety of worshippers and clergy. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released in the coming days.
Suspect’s bail has been set at $2 million.
As the investigation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
