Carlos Medina, husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper, was charged in February 2023 with the murder of the Brooklodge native at his home in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles on February 18, 2023.
Medina was also charged with a special allegation that he used a firearm during the commission of an offence. He has denied both charges.
His case came before Hollywood court on Thursday for a mental competency hearing.
The case has now been adjourned until September 11, “for further proceedings”, according to the office of the district attorney for Los Angeles.
The case against him has been at a standstill for almost a year, after being suspended last October following concerns raised by Medina’s lawyers about his ability to stand trial, during a pre-trial hearing.
It is understood that his legal team raised their concerns about Medina’s mental competency because of interactions they had with him since his arrest over two years ago.
His behaviour while in prison awaiting trial has also sparked concern. He has been assessed by an independent expert who believes he is 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 treatment options 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 Glanmire native's killing devastated Catholics across the Los Angeles archdiocese, where he had served since his ordination in 1979. He was laid to rest in a crypt in Los Angeles Cathedral.