February 22, 2023
Media Relations Division
213-257-2000
Media@da.lacounty.gov
Man Charged With Murdering Los Angeles Bishop
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Carlos Medina was charged today with killing Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell at a home in Hacienda Heights over the weekend.
“This was a brutal act of violence against a person who dedicated his life to making our neighborhoods safer, healthier and always serving with love and compassion,” District Attorney Gascón said. “As Catholics around Los Angeles and the nation start the holy season of Lent let us reflect on Bishop O’Connell’s life of service and dedication to those in greatest need of our care. Charging Mr. Medina will never repair the tremendous harm that was caused by this callous act, but it does take us one step closer to accountability.”
Medina (dob 5/26/61) was charged in case BA5121837 with one count of murder and a special allegation that he personally used a firearm. He is scheduled to be arraigned today in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
On February 18, O’Connell was found fatally shot at a home in the 1500 block of Janlu Avenue in Hacienda Heights. The 69-year-old victim died at the scene.
Medina is the husband of O’Connell’s housekeeper. He was later arrested on Monday in Torrance.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.