The man accused of gunning down Bishop O’Connell in his home in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder on Wednesday.
Judge Amy Armenui Ashvanian of the Superior Court ordered Carlos Medina, 61, to remain jailed in lieu of his pending $2 million bail at his next appearance at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.
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As per District Attorney George Gascón, if found guilty as charged, Medina may potentially receive a sentence of 35 years to life imprisonment. Medina is accused of committing the murder of a 69-year-old man referred to as “Bishop Dave” on February 18, in addition to the claim that he personally utilized a firearm.
The death of O’Connell, which occurred on Feb. 18, just before 1 p.M. At his residence on Janlu Avenue, near Turnbull Canyon Road, was confirmed by sheriff’s officials to be under investigation as a homicide.
O’Connell was wounded by multiple gunshots, according to Gascón. Sheriff Robert Luna stated that the bishop was shot in his bedroom at home, and there were no indications of forced entry into O’Connell’s residence.
Luna stated, “The bishop’s corpse was found when a deacon visited the residence to ensure his well-being because O’Connell was seemingly tardy for a gathering.”
According to the sheriff, Medina is the housekeeper’s husband of O’Connell’s and he also carried out general repairs at the bishop’s residence.
“The sheriff stated that Medina exhibited peculiar behavior, illogical actions, and made remarks regarding the bishop being indebted to him,” with one informant mentioning that information provided by the public assisted in guiding the investigators towards Medina.
Luna mentioned that there was an issue raised by one of the witnesses, but refrained from stating that this disagreement resulted in the murder.
Investigators have largely found the suggestion that killing led to financial debt to be nonsensical and lacking in validity.
“Following a brief hearing last month, Deputy Public Defender Pedro Cortes, who is representing Mr. Medina, expressed our anticipation for a comprehensive examination of all elements of this case. Additionally, our thoughts and condolences are with everyone impacted by this tragic event.”
Medina was arrested on 20th February after a long standoff that took place at his home on the 2400 block of Kenwood Avenue in Torrance, said the sheriff. During the shooting incident, two firearms were recovered, and it was determined that they were tested at Medina’s residence.
Luna also mentioned that the spouse of Medina was interrogated and had been “completely cooperative” with investigators.
The sheriff said that a dark-colored compact SUV, similar to the one seen on video surveillance, was pulling into O’Connell’s driveway, although it was unsure when this occurred.
In a statement issued after his passing, Archbishop José Gomez declared that O’Connell had served as a clergyman and subsequently as a bishop in Los Angeles for 45 years, and hailed from Ireland.
Gomez expressed, “He had a deep passion for building a community where every human life is respected and safeguarded, with a heart that cared for immigrants and the underprivileged. He was a peacemaker.”
Since 2015, when Pope Francis appointed him as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Gabriel San O’Connell had been serving as the vicar for the Region Pastoral in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles until his death.
Previously, Michael served as the pastor of St. Eugene and St. Cabrini parishes in Los Angeles, as well as the associate pastor at St. Raymond’s Catholic Church in Long Beach. Additionally, he had served as the pastor of St. Frances X. Cabrini Church on Hilary St. And St. Maria Goretti Church on Pico Rivera.
On March 3, thousands of individuals gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles to witness the funeral Mass for O’Connell, which concluded three days of commemorations.
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A display commemorating the life and impact of O’Connell was subsequently opened at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.