Handyman in death of LA Bishop David O’Connell charged with murder as authorities probe motive
The handyman arrested in the shocking slaying of beloved California Catholic Bishop David O’Connell was charged with murder Wednesday — as authorities are still probing a motive in the “brutal act of violence.”
Carlos Medina, 61, faces one felony count of murder in the shooting death of O’Connell, who was gunned down inside his Hacienda Heights home on Feb. 18, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said Wednesday.
Gascon added that the case, which shocked the small San Gabriel Valley suburb, also “warranted the filing of a special allegation that [Medina] used a firearm during the commission” of the killing.
“This was a brutal act of violence against a person who dedicated a life to making our neighborhood safer, healthier and always serving with love and compassion,” Gascon said at a press conference.
“Charging Mr. Medina will never repair the tremendous harm that was caused by this callous act, but it does take one step closer to accountability.”
Medina could face a maximum sentence of 35 years to life in prison if he is convicted of all charges, Gascón said.
Medina appeared before a judge in Los Angeles court on Wednesday afternoon and was assigned a deputy public defender. His arraignment was continued to March 22.
The handyman is married to O’Connell’s housekeeper and had done some work at the bishop’s house in Hacienda Heights.
Neighbors previously told The Post that the accused killer would occasionally walk O’Connell’s dog.
A motive has not been announced in the murder and investigators found no evidence of forced entry into the home.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a Monday press conference that authorities were investigating a tip they received about the clergyman allegedly owing Medina money.
However, Lieutenant Mike Modica confirmed Wednesday that investigators had ruled out that possibility, CBS Sacramento reported.
Modica added that the suspect gave “several different reasons” for why he had allegedly killed O’Connell, but “none of them made any sense to investigators.”
Medina was arrested Monday after a six-hour standoff with SWAT and LA County Sheriff’s deputies.
Detectives also found two firearms inside the Torrance, Calif. home where Medina lived with his wife and a roommate.
The weapons found in Medina’s home will be tested to see if either can be connected to O’Connell’s murder, Luna said.
