Originally published at National Catholic Register
The news of the murder last year shocked the local and wider Catholic community, who remembered Bishop David O’Connell as a Christlike man of deep prayer who was dedicated to serving the poor and immigrants.
A judge suspended the criminal proceedings of the alleged murderer of a beloved California bishop as courts evaluate whether the 64-year-old man is mentally fit for trial.
Carlos Medina was charged with murder last year for allegedly shooting and killing Bishop David O’Connell, Los Angeles’ 69-year-old auxiliary bishop, in his home in Hacienda Heights.
Medina’s attorney argued that he was not mentally fit to stand trial on Thursday, according to a report by the L.A. Times. The criminal proceedings were suspended after a judge ordered that he be evaluated to see whether he can comprehend the charges and help the attorneys in his defense.
A deacon found Bishop O’Connell in his home on Feb. 18, 2023, when he went to check on the bishop after he failed to show up for a meeting. When authorities arrived, they discovered Bishop O’Connell with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A manhunt ensued over the following days, leading to the arrest of Medina,
