The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday is expected to present its case to prosecutors against suspect Carlos Medina in last weekend’s homicide of Bishop David O’Connell, a sheriff’s official said Tuesday.
Medina, who remains jailed on $2 million bail and who is the husband of the O’Connell’s housekeeper, was arrested by deputies Monday.
O’Connell, who was shot in his bedroom in Hacienda Heights at around 1 p.m. Saturday, was found by his deacon, who paid a visit to his home after he failed to show up for an event that day, sheriff’s Lt. Michael Modica said.
A motive for the killing remains unclear.
The Sheriff’s Department seized two firearms from Medina’s Torrance home and a navy Honda SUV that appears similar to a car captured leaving the bishop’s residence on surveillance footage shortly after the time of the murder.
Medina remains in custody. The DA’s office must file charges by the end of the day Wednesday, or authorities will be required to release him. Modica said Tuesday that the sheriff’s case against Medina is expected to be presented to prosecutors Wednesday.
Carlos Medina also is known as Carlos Medina Vallejo, who pleaded no contest in 2005 to possession of methamphetamine and driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher, according to LA County court records.
He was sentenced to probation and 206 days in county jail. Under the same case, the judge ordered him to enroll and complete a 30-month licensed multi-offender alcohol and drug education and counseling program.
O’Connell was a beloved bishop throughout Los Angeles and his sudden slaying has shaken the Catholic community to its core.
This week religious leaders plow on with preparations for the Lenten season, while also finding time to mourn his untimely passing.
Father Albert Avenido, who leads the Sacred Heart Church in West Covina, says the two types of devotion have a natural integration.
“The season of lent invites us to lead…
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