Mental fitness of man accused of killing Cork-born bishop in LA continues to delay trial
The criminal case against the man accused of the murder of a Cork bishop in Los Angeles over two years ago remains deadlocked because of concerns over whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.
Carlos Medina, the husband of Bishop David O'Connell's housekeeper, was charged with the murder of the Brooklodge man at his home in Hacienda Heights in Los Angeles days after the shooting on February 18, 2023.
He is also charged with a special allegation that he used a firearm during the commission of an offence. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His case is back before Hollywood courthouse in California on Monday, as efforts continue to establish if he is mentally competent to stand trial.
The case against him was suspended last October after Medina's lawyers raised concerns about his ability to stand trial during a pre-trial hearing.
A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has confirmed to the Irish Examiner that 'criminal proceedings are still suspended.'
It is understood that his legal team raised their concerns about Medina's mental competency because of interactions they have had with him since his arrest over two years ago.
His behaviour while in prison awaiting trial has also sparked concern. He has been assessed by an independent expert who believed he was not able to stand trial.
Medina's wife worked as a housekeeper for the bishop, while Medina himself also carried out some work for him on a number of occasions.
He was arrested after barricading himself into his home following the discovery of the bishop's body by a deacon who went to the house after bishop O'Connell failed to turn up for a scheduled meeting.
If Medina is found mentally unfit to stand trial, he will be required to undergo psychiatric treatment by a licensed psychologist. Following that, the judge will decide on what options of treatment are required, which could include referral to a state mental health facility, for a period of up to four months.
The court could grant additional time for treatment, or order that the criminal proceedings against him could continue. If convicted, Medina could face from 35 years to life in prison.
The 69-year-old bishop's killing was met with devastation by Catholics across the Los Angeles archdiocese, where he had served since his ordination in 1979. He was laid to rest in a crypt in Los Angeles Cathedral. An exhibit of some of his belongings has been opened in a church where he served.
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Mental state of man accused of murdering Cork-born bishop in Los Angeles delays trial
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