Suspect pleads not guilty
Suspect in Bishop O’Connell murder pleads not guilty
The man suspected of killing Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell in his Hacienda Heights home pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing Wednesday.
Carlos Medina, 61, has been charged with one felony count of murder and a special allegation that he used a firearm. During the arraignment at Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown LA, Superior Court Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian ordered that Medina remain in jail in lieu of $2 million bail, and his next scheduled court appearance is May 17, when a hearing will be set to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to require him to stand trial.
If convicted, Medina faces up to 35 years to life in prison.
Medina is the husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper and had done work at the home, authorities said. He was arrested at his Torrance home on Feb. 20 after a six-hour standoff with SWAT and LA County Sheriff’s deputies.