Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced that officers have made an arrest in the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell. The housekeeper's husband was arrested as a suspect in his death last Saturday. The suspect barricaded himself in his home and was eventually arrested after Special Forces agents arrived.
Luna stated that investigations focused on Carlos Medina after reviewing surveillance cameras and seeing the suspect's SUV in O'Connell's driveway at the time of the murder. According to investigators, there were no signs of forced entry to the house. In addition, officers received a call that Medina, 65, was acting irrationally and muttering that O'Connell "owed him money," Luna said. However, the sheriff indicated that they are continuing their investigation into the motive for the murder.
The motive is still under investigation
Joining @LACoSheriff Robert Luna at the Hall of Justice where he just announced the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Bishop David O’Connell. pic.twitter.com/Uke5XTKHVp
— Hilda Solis (@HildaSolis) February 21, 2023
Medina refused to surrender to detectives who came to his Torrance home and barricaded himself inside. In response, Los Angeles County Special Forces agents were called. In the end, the suspect was arrested. He is being held on $2 million bail. Police officers proceeded to search the house and found two firearms and other possible evidence linking the housekeeper's husband to the crime. The ballistics analysis is pending, and Sheriff Luna indicated that since the investigation is ongoing, he could not provide further details.
Special Forces intervention
#LASD SEB SWAT operation for an armed, barricaded suspect in Torrance has concluded. Suspect in custody. Kenwood Ave reopened. Neighborhood safe. pic.twitter.com/H5VHVMVyrv
— SEB (@SEBLASD) February 20, 2023
Luna also said that the housekeeper, unlike her husband, was willing to cooperate at all times. "Detectives are interviewing her. As far as we know at this point, she has been fully cooperative," he mentioned.
According to the sheriff, a deacon came to his home to check on him after he didn't show up for a meeting. Upon accessing the property he found the bishop "with at least one shot in the chest" and called the authorities, according to Luna.
