THE shooting death of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell last Saturday is being investigated as a homicide, authorities have confirmed.
“This incident is being handled as a murder investigation,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) said in a statement . No additional details were released.
“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,” Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez said.
“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.”
The shooting happened around 1 pm local time Saturday inside a home in the 1500 block of Janlu Avenue in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County, the sheriff’s department said.
Property records show an address on that block as being associated with Bishop O’Connell, but CNA could not immediately confirm local media reports that identified the location as O’Connell’s residence.
Sheriff deputies called to the scene for a medical emergency found O’Connell suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, the LASD said.
A native of Ireland, Bishop O’Connell, 69, ministered to immigrants, the poor, and victims of gang violence for 45 years in the South Los Angeles area.
Pope Francis made him a bishop in 2015.
Bishop O’Connell’s friends and fellow bishops reacted with shock and sadness to the news of his death.
Among those to comment on social media was Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who was ordained an auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles with O’Connell in 2015.
“From the moment I met him, I was struck by his goodness, kindness, prayerfulness, and simplicity of heart,” Barron tweeted.
“Throughout the course of my years in the LA Archdiocese, Bishop Dave was a constant source of support, encouragement, and good humor.
“He dedicated his priesthood to serving the poor. I can honestly say that he was one of the most Christ-like men I’ve known. May he rest in peace.”
Sr Norma Pimentel, the director of Catholic Charities of Rio Grande Valley known for her work with migrants on the Texas-Mexico border, also shared a photo of O’Connell on Twitter, calling him “truly a man of God.”
