Los Angeles Auxilary Bishop David O’Connell, a popular priest in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for many years known for his work ministering to immigrants, the poor, and victims of gun violence in South LA, was shot and killed Saturday, authorities said.
The shooting happened around 1 p.m. local time inside a home in the 1500 block of Janlu Avenue in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, television station KABC reported.
Deputies found O’Connell, 69, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso, KCAL News reported. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are investigating the shooting as a suspicious death but no further details were available late Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop José Gomez released a statement announcing that O’Connell, an Irish native who had worked in the Los Angeles area for the past 45 years, had died unexpectedly.
“I am very sad this afternoon to report that our beloved Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell has passed away unexpectedly,” Gomez said in the statement, Angelus News reported.
“It is a shock and I have no words to express my sadness,” the archbishop said.
About a dozen local Catholics came together to pray for O’Connell on Saturday night in Hacienda Heights, holding candles and praying the rosary next to the police tape outside of the crime scene where police are investigating the bishop’s death.
People described O’Connell as very accessible, friendly, generous with his time and having a great sense of humor. He was a Bishop of the people and closely involved in many parishes.
People are shocked by his killing. said Jose Alvarez pic.twitter.com/ZzhGBwphI3
— Clara Harter (@_ClaraHarter) February 19, 2023
Jonny Flores told the Los Angeles Times that he knew O’Connell from local pro-life rallies and remembered the bishop as very humble and always generous with his time.
“He didn’t hold back his words. He was well spoken,” Flores said….
Original story from Catholic News Agency.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
I wonder what the motive and circumstances were.
This is horrible news. May God rest his soul.
Possible killers: anti-immigration MAGA types, angry gangster, pro-abort activist.
Thanks for your brilliant detective work.
I am sure that the L.A. Police will be in the dark until you enlighten them.
May the Bishop’s soul R.I.P. .
How does the arrested suspect fit your profile?
Arrest made.
https://nxslink.ktla.com/view/61c9eb20b1226c574b38efcdi80hk.9nk/c9056906?email=306c3c16160085105f9bb52ff7a5ac0f7be6d38f&emaila=60af61eeed62a2b25c08fa59918ebf9c&emailb=5410575662b3fef995bbb12d69d8acebdaa5bc68c8c7c2f83dfc51962a3da69c
Authorities told NBC 4 Los Angeles the man was identified early on in the investigation through an ‘unnamed technical means,’ and he was arrested without incident — though a reporter on the scene said the man had barricaded himself inside his home overnight.
The suspect’s name has not yet been released, but neighbors have identified the suspect as Carlos Medina, whose wife worked with the bishop.
I sent condolences through another source many days ago, but I will say it again, May Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell and All the Faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. I offered a Communion for him, said a plenary indulgence with prayers for the Pope, and included him in a Rosary.
they don’t take mug shots of
people arrested for homicide anymore?
Yes. But only published or printed if white.