Hero Irish bishop David O’Connell was probably asleep when he was shot five times, authorities in LA have revealed.
The husband of a housekeeper who worked for the California-based cleric has admitted to blasting him to death as it emerged that he could face 35 years behind bars if convicted of the murder.
Handyman Carlos Medina, 61, is accused of killing the 69-year-old Cork native at his Los Angeles home on Saturday and cops have cast doubt over his claims to others that Bishop O’Connell owed him money.
In a press conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said the accused also faces the allegation of using a firearm in the incident.
READ MORE: Cork priest condemns 'brutal death' of hero Irish bishop in America
Medina’s wife worked as a housekeeper for the Irishman, who police believe was asleep when he was murdered.
Mr Gascon said that Medina has admitted to killing the Irishman, who lived alone.
Mr Gascon said: “I know this has been a shock for our community.
“This was a brutal act of violence against a person who dedicated his life to making our neighborhoods safer, healthier and always served with love.
“His loss is one that I really feel will be felt for years to come.
“Charging Mr. Medina will never repair the tremendous harm that was caused by this callous act.”
He added: “By all counts, Bishop O’Connell was a saint for Los Angeles.”
O’Connell was found dead by a deacon in his bedroom with up to five gunshot wounds.
Media appeared in court on Wednesday where bail was set at over €2million.
The court set March 22 as the date for his arraignment.
Accused Medina was arrested on Monday and recovered two firearms, including the one which cops believe was used to kill O’Connell.
CCTV footage placing Medina at the Irish bishop’s home also forms part of the investigation.
Officers have also yet to establish a motive and do not think there’s any validity to the claim it was over money.
Public Defender Ricardo Garcia was appointed to the accused in court.
And in a statement he reminded people that Medina “is presumed innocent and entitled to a vigorous defense.”
He added: “We are sensitive to the impact this case has had on our community but at the same time caution against any rush to judgment, either by the public or the media, until all the facts are established in court.”
Bishop O’Connell, who was the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was known as a hero locally for his peace efforts between LA’s gangs, whose members he courageously urged away from violence and criminality.
After a jury acquitted four white police officers for the beating of Rodney King in 1992, Bishop O’Connell tried to bring calm between residents and police.
He studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin and was ordained to serve in the archdiocese in 1979.
Bishop O’Connell had served as a priest and bishop in Los Angeles for nearly half a century, living on Janlu Avenue in Hacienda Heights even after he was made a bishop in 2015.
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