Thursday, August 17, 2023

LA trial of man accused of murdering Irish bishop adjourned

Los Angeles Bishop David O'Connell's suspected killer walked his dog

The trial of a man accused of murdering a Cork-born bishop in Los Angeles has been adjourned until 19 October.

Carlos Medina, aged 61, who denies shooting Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell at his east LA home last February, appeared at the Los Angeles Criminal Justice Center for a preliminary trial hearing yesterday.

However, the case was adjourned and the hearing will continue in October.

The judge must rule on whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.

Mr Medina, who was married to the late bishop’s housekeeper, faces a single "187A" charge under the Californian penal code, suggesting that he planned the murder.

He faces 35 years to life in prison if found guilty of shooting the bishop five times in his bed.

'Bishop Dave’, as he was known, served as a priest and bishop in LA County for nearly half a century.