The Los Angeles Catholic community is in shock after the sudden and violent death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, O’Connell was found shot in the upper part of his torso in his home in Hacienda Heights on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the authorities are investigating his death as a homicide.
O’Connell was ordained in 1979 and became an auxiliary bishop in 2015. He was known for his devotion to prayer and his commitment to helping the poor, immigrants, and the victims of gang violence in southern Los Angeles. He also worked to restore trust between law enforcement and residents after the 1992 Los Angeles riots. He also served as the chairman of the inter-diocesan Southern California immigration Task Force.
I received last night the devastating news that my dear friend, Bishop David O’Connell, has died. Bishop Dave and I were ordained auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles seven years ago. pic.twitter.com/GWrgLY1hPX
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) February 19, 2023
The news of O’Connell’s death has been met with deep sadness and grief by the local Catholic community. Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed his profound dismay and described O’Connell in a statement as “a man of deep prayer who had a great love for Our Blessed Mother. He was a peacemaker with a heart for the poor and the immigrant. He was passionate about building a community where the sanctity and dignity of every human life was honored and protected.”
Parishioners have also been expressing their grief and loss since the murder. Ramona Torres said she had been crying since she heard the news. Gabriela Gil described O’Connell as “one of the most lovable persons I’ve met.” Linda Dakin-Grimm, a California immigration lawyer, tweeted a photo of O’Connell with one of her young clients, saying he was “the face of Jesus for me and many, many others.”
This is L.A. Aux. Bishop David O’Connell, with one of my young clients. Bishop Dave, who was shot to death in his home today, was there for every child and family I have represented. Always. Helping, supporting and generally being the face of Jesus for me and many many others. pic.twitter.com/zdtEN25DGE
— Linda Dakin-Grimm (@LindaDakinGrimm) February 19, 2023
As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information to come forward. Unfortunately, authorities reportedly had no substantial leads in their initial investigation of the killing.
Meanwhile, the Catholic community is left to mourn the loss of a beloved member, described by the sheriff’s department as “a guiding light for so many, and his legacy will continue to live on through the community that he helped build.”
