Accused Killer of Beloved LA Bishop Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge
LOS ANGELES—A man accused of gunning down Los Angeles Catholic Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell at his home in Hacienda Heights pleaded not guilty March 22 to a murder charge.
Superior Court Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian ordered Carlos Medina, 61, to remain jailed in lieu of just over $2 million bail pending his next appearance May 17 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse. A date is scheduled to be set then for a hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to require him to stand trial.
Medina is charged with the Feb. 18 killing of the 69-year-old man known as “Bishop Dave,” along with an allegation that he personally used a firearm. He could face up to 35 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to District Attorney George Gascón….