A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Irish-born Bishop David O’Connell in California on Saturday.
Bishop O'Connell, who was originally from Cork, was found dead at his home on February 18, having suffered a gunshot wound to the torso.
The suspected gunman was known to him, according to investigators, and was taken into custody on Monday following an overnight operation carried out by police at his home.
READ MORE: Cork priest condemns 'brutal death' of hero Irish bishop in America
Two firearms were also recovered during the late night arrest, and LA County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the man arrested was known to Bishop O'Connell.
He told local journalists: “The person of interest was identified as Carlos Medina.
“Medina is the husband of Bishop O’Connell’s housekeeper”.
Today, a parish priest in Cork has condemned the brutal death and called for prayers at a time of “sadness and sorrow”.
Fr Damien O’Mahony paid an emotional tribute to Bishop O’Connell during Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Glounthaune.
Parish Priest Fr O’Mahony told mass-goers that gunshot victim Bishop O’Connell was “brutally killed” and praised him for remaining true to his “Cork roots” and called for prayers at a time of “sadness and sorrow”.
He said: “Bishop O’Connell was a native of Glounthaune, a man who was baptised here in this church, back in 1953.
“He was brutally killed and murdered in his home in Los Angeles and we pray for him at this time.
“He was a man who never lost touch with his Cork roots, even though he lived on the other side of the world.
“His heart was here in Cork, and particularly in Glounthaune parish.
“He said Mass here in this church over the years and we pray also for his family and his many friends.
“It is a time of heartbreak, shock, tears, sadness and sorrow.”
READ NEXT:
Woman '100%' convinced she is Madeleine McCann breaks down in tears as she is shunned by family
Sister of woman who vanished without a trace in Dublin has new CCTV hope
Nicola Bulley dive expert explains why he didn't find body in river search
Paul Mescal's local pub offers star free pints saying he was a 'good regular'
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
