Death of high-ranking bishop, David O'Connell, being investigated as a murder

The fatal shooting of high-ranking bishop, David O'Connell, was being investigated as a murder, officials said Sunday.

O'Connell was shot around 1 p.m. Saturday in the 1500 block of Janlu Avenue in Hacienda Heights. 

There, deputies responded and located O'Connell who had been suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. 

"We learned early this morning from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office that they have determined that the death of Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell yesterday was a homicide. We are deeply disturbed and saddened by this news," said Archbishop José H. Gomez. "Let us continue to pray for Bishop Dave and his family. 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."

Anyone with information was asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.