LOS ANGELES (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in the killing of a Catholic bishop who was fatally shot over the weekend in Southern California, authorities said Monday.
The person was arrested in the killing of Bishop David O’Connell, who was found in his home with a gunshot wound and declared dead at the scene, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy Lizette Falcon said. Falcon said details would be provided at a news conference at noon Pacific time.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File
FILE - Bishop David O'Connell, of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, attends a news conference at the Fall General Assembly meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, on Nov. 17, 2021, in Baltimore.Â
O’Connell, 69, was killed just blocks from the St. John Vianney Catholic Church, part of his archdiocese, in Hacienda Heights, an unincorporated community about 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of downtown Los Angeles.
O’Connell was found around 1 p.m. Saturday with a gunshot wound. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the area on a report of a medical emergency. Authorities have not said whether the bishop was targeted or if his religion might have been a factor.
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
A forensic investigator leaves the home of Bishop David O'Connell in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.Â
O’Connell had been a priest for 45 years and was a native of Ireland, according to Angelus News, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the nation’s largest. In 2015, Pope Francis named him one of several auxiliary bishops of the archdiocese.
O’Connell worked in South Los Angeles for years and focused on gang intervention, Angelus News reported. He later sought to broker peace between residents and law enforcement following the violent 1992 uprising after a jury acquitted four white LA police officers in the beating of Rodney King, a Black man.
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File
Gabriela Gil and her children pay their respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.Â
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
Rev. Albert Avenido, far left, and Sacristan Hector Ibarra, second from left, lead members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, Calif., on a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.Â
Nearly two decades later, O’Connell brought the San Gabriel Valley community together to rebuild a mission there after an arson attack and in recent years spearheaded Catholic efforts in the region to work with immigrant children and families from Central America.
Masses at churches across the region were dedicated to O’Connell on Sunday. Neighbors and parishioners left flowers and candles and prayed the rosary next to police tape in Hacienda Heights. About 50 people prayed and sang in a vigil Sunday afternoon near part of the neighborhood surrounded by crime scene tape.
AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
An image of Bishop David O'Connell is posted on the post of a street sign near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.Â
The Diocese of Cork and Ross in Ireland, where O’Connell was born, was shocked by the priest’s death. Bishop Fintan Gavin said in a statement that O’Connell “has always maintained his connection with family and friends in Cork” through frequent visits back to Ireland.
The violence was the latest to rock religious leaders in Los Angeles. Two Jewish men were shot and wounded last week by a gunman who authorities said targeted them for their faith. Suspect Jaime Tran has been charged with federal hate crimes.
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
FILE - Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, right, from the San Gabriel Pastoral Region, is revered by an unidentified pilgrim, left, after a special "Mass in Recognition of All Immigrants'' at the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles Sunday, June 24, 2018. O'Connell, a Roman Catholic bishop in Southern California was shot and killed Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, just blocks from a church, a slaying that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death of Bishop O’Connell as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Damian Dovarganes
FILE - Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, right, from the San Gabriel Pastoral Region, is revered by an unidentified pilgrim, left, after a special "Mass in Recognition of All Immigrants'' at the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles Sunday, June 24, 2018. O'Connell, a Roman Catholic bishop in Southern California was shot and killed Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, just blocks from a church, a slaying that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death of Bishop O’Connell as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Gabriela Gil and her children pay their respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Damian Dovarganes
Gabriela Gil and her children pay their respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
A forensic investigator leaves the home of Bishop David O'Connell in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
A forensic investigator leaves the home of Bishop David O'Connell in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
An image of Bishop David O'Connell is posted on the post of a street sign near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a "peacemaker" that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
An image of Bishop David O'Connell is posted on the post of a street sign near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a "peacemaker" that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Candles and messages are left near Bishop David O'Connell's residence in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death of Bishop David O’Connell as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Candles and messages are left near Bishop David O'Connell's residence in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death of Bishop David O’Connell as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Authorities talk near the home of Bishop David O'Connell in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a "peacemaker" that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Authorities talk near the home of Bishop David O'Connell in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a "peacemaker" that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Ramona Torres brings flowers and a framed message to pay her respects to Bishop David O'Connell near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Ramona Torres brings flowers and a framed message to pay her respects to Bishop David O'Connell near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Rosa Maria Perez, with her granddaughter Abigail Gil, pay their respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Rosa Maria Perez, with her granddaughter Abigail Gil, pay their respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Michael Cole prays the rosary as he joins a group prayer to honor Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Michael Cole prays the rosary as he joins a group prayer to honor Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Rev. Albert Avenido, far left, and Sacristan Hector Ibarra, second from left, lead members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, Calif., on a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Rev. Albert Avenido, far left, and Sacristan Hector Ibarra, second from left, lead members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, Calif., on a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
The Rev. Albert Avenido, left, and sacristan Hector Ibarra lead members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, Calif., on a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. Bishop David O'Connell, a Roman Catholic bishop in Southern California was shot and killed Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, just blocks from a church, a slaying that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death of Bishop David O'Connell as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
The Rev. Albert Avenido, left, and sacristan Hector Ibarra lead members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, Calif., on a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. Bishop David O'Connell, a Roman Catholic bishop in Southern California was shot and killed Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, just blocks from a church, a slaying that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death of Bishop David O'Connell as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Neighbors and parishioners pray the rosary for Bishop David O'Connell near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Neighbors and parishioners pray the rosary for Bishop David O'Connell near his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. O'Connell was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, a slaying of a longtime priest hailed as a “peacemaker” that's stunned the Los Angeles religious community, authorities said. Detectives are investigating the death as a homicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Gabriela Gil pays her respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Gabriela Gil pays her respects to Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Rev. Albert Avenido holds his hands on his cheek, as he quotes the Bible verse Matthew 5:38–39 during a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Rev. Albert Avenido holds his hands on his cheek, as he quotes the Bible verse Matthew 5:38–39 during a prayer vigil for Bishop David O'Connell at the corner of his home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A Catholic bishop was shot and killed in his LA home over the weekend. He’s been hailed as a ‘peacemaker.’
Damian Dovarganes
Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies guard the entrance to the street of Bishop David O'Connell's home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Damian Dovarganes
Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies guard the entrance to the street of Bishop David O'Connell's home in Hacienda Heights, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, detectives are investigating the death of O’Connell, who was shot and killed Saturday just blocks from a church, as a homicide. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
