Boston, Mass., Feb 22, 2023 / 16:40 pm
Carlos Medina, the suspect in the murder of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, was formally charged Wednesday with one count of murder and a special allegation that he personally used a firearm.
“This was a brutal act of violence against a person who dedicated his life to making our neighborhoods safer, healthier, and [who always served] with love and compassion,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a Wednesday press release.
“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,” Gascón said. “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.”
News of O’Connell’s death shocked the nation and rocked the local and international Catholic community.