Man accused of murdering Cork-born bishop in LA has case adjourned until new year

Bishop David O’Connell was found dead in his home on February 18 after being shot multiple times. Picture: Getty Images

The man accused of the murder of Cork-born Bishop David O’Connell has had his case adjourned until the new year.

Carlos Medina is charged with the murder of the Brooklodge native at his home in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles in February. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He is also charged with a special allegation that he used a firearm during the commission of an offence.

Medina appeared at a pre-trial hearing in Los Angeles on Friday. The case has now been adjourned until January 10.

Bishop O’Connell, 69, was found dead in his home on February 18 after being shot multiple times.

A church deacon made the discovery at around 1pm local time after Bishop O’Connell failed to turn up for a meeting.

There was no sign of a forced entry into the house, according to the District Attorney for Los Angeles County, George Gascon.

Medina’s wife worked as a housekeeper for the bishop, while Medina himself also carried out some work for him on a number of occasions.

If convicted, Medina could face up to 35 years to life in prison.

Bishop O’Connell was laid to rest in a crypt at Los Angeles Cathedral in March. His brother, Kieran, and other members of Bishop O’Connell’s family, travelled to the US for the funeral.

He was consecrated a bishop in Los Angeles in 2015, having been ordained for the US diocese in June 1979.