The husband of an Irish bishop’s housekeeper was arrested in connection with the bishop’s murder in Los Angeles. David O’Connell, a prominent liberal bishop, was shot on Saturday, the Guardian reports. Carlos Medina, 65, the husband of O’Connell’s housekeeper, was arrested for the murder of the 69-year-old. Police said a source tipped them off that Medina claimed O’Connell owed him money. “This bishop made a huge difference in our community,” said Sheriff Robert Luna said. “He’s been a pillar in our community; known as a peacemaker, serving those in need.” Surveillance footage showed a dark-colored SUV approaching the bishop’s residence before the murder and leaving shortly after. According to the sheriff, Medina’s wife would drive a similar car when she went to work for O’Connell. After the shooting, Medina allegedly left for central California and returned to his home at about 2 a.m.on Monday. He was taken into custody at 8 a.m.
Detectives found two firearms in Medina’s home, as well as other evidence possibly linking Medina to the crime, Luna said. The firearms will be tested by the police’s crime lab to verify if they were used in the murder. Luna said Medina’s wife was cooperating with the investigation. O’Connell was born and raised in Ireland. He advocated for immigrant and disadvantaged communities during his time in Los Angeles, where he was ordained as a priest in 1979. Former Los Angeles Mayor , Eric Garcetti described O’Connell as a “longtime peacemaker and fighter for justice ... This city has lost one of its most beautiful angels,. O’Connell studied at All Hallows College in Dublin before moving to Los Angeles four decades ago. He served as a pastor at several parishes before Pope Francis appointed him the city’s auxiliary bishop in 2015.