'Humble soul': Auxiliary bishop killed in Southern California shooting, authorities say
More breaking news that is shaking the local Catholic community tonight. A well-known bishop found dead from a gunshot wound at a home in Hacienda Heights. Reactions continuing to pour in over his death. Eyewitness News reporter Leanne Souter live in Hacienda Heights tonight with what we know so far. Leanne. So much shock and sadness for the Catholic community, especially here in Hacienda Heights. You can see live over my shoulder here.
Moreners have gathered here at the scene as they struggle to comprehend the sudden death of that bishop. You saw the whole thing. And we're only at the beginning of the show. Devastated parishioners gathered by the crime scene tape as deputies investigate the suspicious death of auxiliary bishop David O'Connell. It broke me. You know, I was actually scared to tell my wife, you know, because my wife loved him so much. Authorities were called to the home on Janleau Avenue in Hacienda Heights around 1pm for a person who was not breathing.
It was learned that the person was found deceased in the room. Bleeding. With what we believe is an apparent gunshot wound to his upper torso. At this point, investigators are only calling it a death investigation. The 69-year-old has served the LA Archdiocese for 45 years, first as a priest and then bishop. During evening mass, Archbishop Jose Gomez expressing his shock and sadness as he announced the sudden death. Bishop Day was a man of deep prayer.
He had a great love for our Blessed Mother. He was a peacemaker with the heart for the poor and the immigrant. He was also a good friend. And I will miss him greatly. The prayer for all the people buried here. Bishop O'Connell was well loved and well known throughout the Los Angeles area. His parishioners describing him as a quiet but powerful leader.
He was so soft-spoken. He was a humble soul. He was not the type that would have confrontations with nobody. He was very loving and he had like a gift of healing when you would attend his ceremonies. It was like a gift of healing. At this point it's unclear exactly what has happened, all part of the ongoing investigation. The one thing that is certain tonight is that the Catholic community is now in mourning.
Live in Hacienda Heights, Leigh-Ham Souter, ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
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