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The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department announced that an arrest was made in connection to the murder of Catholic Bishop O'Connell. The suspect was taken into custody in Torrence.

Bishop David O’Connell had been serving in the priesthood for 45 years. He was found dead in his Hacienda Heights home on Saturday. According to a law enforcement source, he was found dead in his bed of a single gunshot wound. 

On Sunday morning the Sheriff’s Department released a statement saying the death “is being handled as a murder investigation.”

The arrest comes less than 24 hours after the police confirmed the death was ruled a homicide.

Multiple law enforcement sources had claimed there were no signs of forced entry at the Janlu Avenue home. And that they believed the bishop knew his killer. The crime did not appear to be random. 

The sheriff’s department’s Special Enforcement Bureau made the arrest. And posted on Twitter that “a SWAT operation for an armed, barricaded suspect has concluded. Suspect in custody. Kenwood Ave reopened. Neighborhood safe.” 

 The suspect is believed to be married to a woman who the bishop has employed, sources said.

The spokesperson for the department would not comment on additional details of the arrest. And claims that Sheriff Robert Luna will hold a press conference concerning the arrest at 3 p.m. PST. 

Catholic Bishop O’Connell known as Bishop Dave

On Saturday homicide detectives were called to the bishop’s home in Hacienda Heights, about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. They responded to a "shooting death investigation". And Bishop Dave was pronounced dead at the scene. 

O'Connell was born in Ireland. And was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1979. In 2015 he was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop by Pope Francis.

 Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez issued a statement on Sunday saying he was "deeply disturbed and saddened" to learn O'Connell's death was a homicide. And he asked for prayers for the family. 

Churches across the region held masses dedicated to O’Connell on Sunday. 

Neighbors and parishioners have also been bringing flowers and burning candles outside the police tape in front of the Hacienda Heights home where the murder took place. And on Sunday, an estimated 50 people held a vigil reciting rosary prayers and singing.