A MAN arrested in connection with the murder of an Irish bishop in California is the husband of the cleric's housekeeper.
David O’Connell (69), the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, was discovered with at least one gunshot wound to the upper body in the bedroom of his home in a suburb of the city on Saturday.
He was pronounced dead at the scene in Hacienda Heights.
Bishop O’Connell, who was a native of Cork, had moved to the US from Ireland 45 years ago.
A 65-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder, Carlos Medina, is married to Bishop O'Connell's housekeeper.
Sheriff of Los Angeles county Robert Luna said the man had also carried out some work previously at the bishop’s house.
He said the suspect drove a dark compact SUV which was similar to a vehicle seen in surveillance footage parking in the driveway of the bishop’s residence and staying for a short period.
He said a witness had contacted detectives on Sunday evening to say the suspect was acting strangely and had made comments about the bishop owing him money.
He said the suspect had been arrested at 8.15am on Monday, adding that weapons were found at the suspect’s home and that ballistic tests were pending.
Sheriff Luna paid tribute to the community for its assistance.
"I don’t think I would be standing here before you within 48 hours of this crime were it not for the members of our community who came forward and helped us along the way and gave us tips," he said.
