(NewsNation) — An arrest was made Monday in the fatal shooting of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Francisco (Carlos) Medina, the husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper.
O’Connell was found dead by a single gunshot wound in his suburban Los Angeles home Saturday. No guns were recovered at the home, and there was no indication of forced entry.
Detectives Sunday morning discovered surveillance video of a dark-colored SUV pulling near the bishop’s residence and leaving the area.
Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna says a caller told authorities that Medina, 65, was acting irrationally and had made comments about O’Connell “owing him money.” With the surveillance and tips, investigators issued a warrant for Medina’s arrest.
Medina was believed to be in central California, but a community member alerted police that Medina had returned to his home in L.A. County at around 2 a.m. Monday. Investigators surrounded the home, where Medina eventually exited after an hours-long standoff. It’s unclear which charges Medina is facing.
Detectives recovered guns from Medina’s home, which are currently being examined to determine if they were used during the killing.
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Office reports that the bishop’s housekeeper was not at the home at the suspected time of the killing and noted that she has been cooperating with authorities. Medina had also been to O’Connell’s home in the past, investigators said.
O’Connell was appointed bishop in 2015 and served the Los Angeles area for 45 years. He was known as a community peacemaker and dedicated himself to serving immigrant communities in L.A.
“My heart grieves. Although I did not personally know the bishop, I cannot tell you how many phone calls I have received in the last 48 hours … This man, this bishop, made a huge difference in our community. He was loved,” Luna said.
Parishioners gathered outside his home to mourn his death and pray for his family. He has often been called the “help of the helpless” and a “man of peace.”
Flags in L.A. County have been ordered to be flown at half-staff in O’Connell’s honor.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.