Mistrial declared in mental fitness inquiry of man accused of killing Cork-born bishop

Case against Carlos Medina was stalled in October 2024 after his lawyers raised concerns about his ability to stand trial for the murder Bishop David O’Connell

Bishop David O’Connell, a native of Brooklodge in Glanmire, had served as a priest in the Los Angeles archdiocese since he was ordained in 1979. Picture: AP/Julio Cortez

A mistrial has been declared in an inquiry to decide whether the man accused of murdering a Cork bishop in Los Angeles is mentally competent to be tried.

Jury selection got under way for the competency inquiry for Carlos Medina at Hollywood Courthouse last week. 

Medina was charged in February 2023 with the murder of 69-year-old Bishop David O’Connell in his Los Angeles home in February 2023. 

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

Bishop O’Connell, a native of Brooklodge in Glanmire, had served as a priest in the Los Angeles archdiocese since he was ordained in 1979. 

The sheriff of Los Angeles County, Robert Luna, described him as a peacemaker who “had a passion for serving those in need while improving our community".

The case against Medina was stalled in October 2024 after his lawyers raised concerns about his ability to stand trial during a pre-trial hearing.

Now, a spokesman for the Los Angeles district attorney’s office has told the Irish Examiner: “There was a mistrial in the competency trial, and a status hearing is set for October 8.” 

It is expected a decision will then be made on what will happen next in the case.

The concerns of Medina’s lawyers that he was not competent to stand trial were raised because of the interactions they had with him after his arrest. 

It is understood his behaviour while on remand in prison had also sparked concern ahead of the proceedings being stalled.

An independent expert brought in to assess Medina believed he was not well enough to stand trial.

If Medina is found mentally unfit to stand trial, he will be required to undergo psychiatric treatment by a licensed psychologist. 

Following that, the judge will decide on what options of treatment are required, which could include a referral to a state mental health facility for a period of up to four months.

After that, the court could grant additional time for treatment, or order the criminal proceedings against him could continue. 

If a trial goes ahead and he is convicted, Medina could face up to 35 years to life in prison.