LA Community Mourning Beloved Catholic Cleric, 'Bishop Dave,' Who Was Gunned Down In Home

LOS ANGLES, LA — The gunning down of a Roman Catholic bishop remembered for having a heart for the poor and immigrants, and having worked to restore trust between the embattled Los Angeles community and law enforcement after the beating of Rodney King, has left his flock not only in mourning but also shock from the violent nature of his death.

The death of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, known by many as "Bishop Dave," found shot inside his Hacienda Heights home on Saturday afternoon, is being investigated as a homicide.

In a statement on Sunday, Archbishop of Los Angeles Jose Gomez called the nature of O'Connell's death has left the diocese "deeply disturbed and saddened by this news."

"Let us continue to pray for Bishop Dave and his family," he said. "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," he added.

A parishioner of O'Connell's replied to a Facebook post with the statement with words of disbelief, saying they were surprised when he was not in the procession Sunday for the African-American mass, which he always celebrated.

"Bishop Gomez's death announcement brought tears not only to me but the people around that knew him," the post read. "RIP Bishop O'Connell, your gentle spirit will be missed. Blessed we crossed paths."

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding O'Connell's death as a homicide, according to a news release from the department.

It was reported Saturday at around 1p.m., on the 1500 block of Janlu Avenue, the department stated.

Industry Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to the location regarding a medical emergency call, the department said, adding that upon arrival, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

Paramedics pronounced O'Connell dead at the scene.

The department has not said whether he was targeted or if his religion o status in the church's hierarchy came into play, nor where or how his body was found in his home, The Associated Press reported.

Patch has reached out to the department for comment.

The department is expected to announce the arrest of a suspect in connection with the case during a news conference at its headquarters at noon.

O'Connell, 69, a native of County Cork, Ireland, studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin and was later ordained to serve in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, according to angelusnews.com.

Over the years, he served as an associate pastor in several parishes, as well as the pastor at the parishes of St. Frances X. Cabrini, Ascension, St. Eugene, and St. Michael’s in South L.A, with his ministry focusing on people affected by gang violence, poverty, and broken families, the website. stated.

When the LA riots broke out after King's beating, O'Connell was in Washington, D.C. testifying before a panel on Capitol Hill about violence in America and he would later tell how

he returned home to find the devastating aftermath, according to the website.

He was later credited for helping build relations between the community and the police.

The sheriff's office posted a tweet on Sunday, honoring O'Connell, calling him "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," the post read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we are working diligently to seek those responsible for his death."

Another parishioner, Ramona Torres, told CNN she is brokenhearted over O'Connell's death.

"I’ve been crying for the last few days knowing that he’s no longer here to share all of his inspiration and his prayers and everything with us,” Ramona Torres said.

Another parishioner, Gabriela Gil, told the outlet that she was very hurt by O'Connell's passing, adding, he’s one of the most lovable persons I’ve met.

One woman wrote, "Please find who did this to him. Thank you for posting this in his honor."

Yet another person wrote, "I pray you find those who cause this tragedy. He was a great man, with a great sense of humor. May Bishop O'Connell RIP."