Earlier this month, the case against Carlos Medina, the husband of Bishop David O’Connell’s housekeeper, was suspended after his lawyers raised concerns about his ability to stand trial during a pre-trial hearing.
He is charged with the murder of the Brooklodge native at his home in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles in February 2023. 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.
On Thursday, a competency hearing opened in Hollywood courthouse and it has now been adjourned until January 15 “for further proceedings”, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
It is understood that the concerns of his legal team arise from interactions they have had with Medina since his arrest in February 2023.
His behaviour while in prison awaiting trial has also sparked concern, the court was told. He also was assessed by an independent expert who believed he was not able to stand trial.
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.
He was arrested after barricading himself into his home following the discovery of the bishop's body by a deacon who went to the house after Bishop O’Connell failed to turn up for a scheduled meeting.
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 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 that the criminal proceedings against him could continue. If convicted, Medina could face up to 35 years to life in prison.
The 69-year-old bishop’s killing was met with devastation by Catholics across the Los Angeles archdiocese, where he had served since his ordination in 1979. All county flags in Los Angeles were lowered to half-mast in his honour, while vigils were held nightly in the week after his death.
He was laid to rest in a crypt in Los Angeles Cathedral. An exhibit of some of his belongings has been opened in a church where he served.