Investigations continue into bishop's death
The LA County Sheriff's Office has said it is “working diligently to seek those responsible” for the death of Cork-born Bishop David O’Connell who was killed over the weekend.
His death in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County, on Saturday night is being treated as a homicide investigation.
The LA County Sheriff's Office has tweeted: “Bishop O'Connell was a guiding light for so many, and his legacy will continue to live on. You are not alone in your grief and that @lasdhq is here to support you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we are working diligently to seek those responsible for his death.”
Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross has expressed his “prayerful sympathy” on the death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, who was born in Glanmire.
He said the news has sent shockwaves across Diocese of Cork and Ross: “On behalf of the people, priests and religious of the Diocese of Cork and Ross, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my sympathies and prayerful support to the O’Connell family in Cork, to Archbishop José H Gomes and the people, priests and religious of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.”
He added: “Since his ordination in 1979 Bishop David has served as a priest in Los Angeles but has always maintained his connection with family and friends here in Cork where has been a regular visitor.
“We pray that the Lord will console Bishop David’s many friends in Cork and throughout Ireland. We will pray for Bishop David at mass throughout the Diocese of Cork and Ross in the coming days asking the Lord to comfort his family, his colleagues and all the bereaved.”
He concluded: “Bishop David worked tirelessly for peace and harmony in communities; may he now rest in the peace of the Lord.”
Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, said in a statement: “We learned early this morning from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s office that they have determined that the death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell yesterday was a homicide. We are deeply disturbed and saddened by this news.
“Let us continue to pray for Bishop Dave and his family. And let us pray for law enforcement officials as they continue their investigation into this terrible crime. We ask Our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede and be a mother for all of us in this moment of sadness and pain.”