David O'Connell, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was shot and killed Saturday afternoon inside his home in the Hacienda Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. O'Connell, 69, a native of Ireland, served in the Los Angeles area for 45 years and was known to be a "peacemaker."
My heart grieves after learning of the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell. He lovingly served as a priest and Bishop in Los Angeles County for forty-five years.
He was a peacemaker and had a passion serving those in need while improving our community.
— Robert Luna (@LACoSheriff) February 19, 2023
On Sunday, Los Angeles County police confirmed they were investigating the case as a homicide.
Bishop O'Connell was a guiding light for so many, and his legacy will continue to live on.
You are not alone in your grief and that @lasdhq is here to support you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we are working diligently to seek those responsible for his death. pic.twitter.com/cIBzvzx0km— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) February 19, 2023
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles posted a statement on the L.A. Catholics' website expressing the Catholic community's shock following the bishop's death.
We learned early this morning from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office that they have determined that the death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell yesterday was a homicide. We are deeply disturbed and saddened by this news. Let us continue to pray for Bishop Dave and his family. And let us pray for law enforcement officials as they continue their investigation into this terrible crime. We ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede and be a mother for all of us in this moment of sadness and pain.
We join @ArchbishopGomez in grieving the sudden loss of one of our bishops. Bishop O’Connell was an active member of our Conference and a champion for the poor and marginalized as the former Subcommittee Chairman of @PovertyUSA_CCHD. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/oIzKLfcqnV
— U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (@USCCB) February 19, 2023
Pope Francis appointed O'Connell auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2015. O'Connell worked all his life in poor areas with gang members and drug dealers.
