Open in App
  • Local
  • U.S.
  • Election
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • USA TODAY

    Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor

    By KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY,

    3 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0NZwra_0uzeWimE00

    Arrests have been made in the killing of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor , who died in a shooting in May.

    The Los Angeles Police Department announced Thursday the arrests of four suspects in the case. Three are accused of murdering the 37-year-old, who died from a gunshot wound to the chest in downtown Los Angeles on May 25, and one man is accused of being an accessory to the crime.

    The LAPD's Central Bureau Homicide carried out search warrants Thursday morning, which resulted in "four people being arrested and evidence recovered," the LAPD said in a news release.

    The murder suspects in the case are Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez and Sergio Estrada. Frank Olano was booked on an arrest warrant for "accessory after the fact."

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=04D0D1_0uzeWimE00
    Johnny Wactor, seen here in 2022, was shot and killed when he encountered a catalytic converter theft after finishing a bartending shift in downtown Los Angeles, according to police. Jesse Grant, Getty Images for Curious Potato

    According to booking records reviewed by USA TODAY, Barceleau, Gutierrez and Olano's bail is set at $2 million. Records for Estrada were not available.

    Wactor, who made his TV debut in 2007 on the Lifetime drama series "Army Wives," was best known for his role as Brando Corbin on "General Hospital."

    Johnny Wactor shot, killed during suspected theft attempt

    Wactor was shot around 3 a.m. May 25 during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the 1200 block of Hope Street, per LAPD's May 28 news release . Officers "began to render aid" to Wactor, who was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

    "Based on witness statements, Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and walked to his vehicle. When Wactor arrived at his vehicle, he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor's vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter," LAPD reported. "Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals."

    'You shot the wrong guy': Johnny Wactor's ex posts emotional video

    Wactor's mother, Scarlett, reflected on her son's death in a May 26 interview with Fox News .

    "What I'd like for everybody to know is that they took a great human being," Scarlett said. "He lived life to the fullest, he chased his dreams (and was) a very optimistic, positive person."

    She concluded: "I hope they catch (Wactor's killers), and I hope there’s justice for Johnny. That’s all I can hope and pray for. I will see him again."

    Wactor's agent, David Shaul, previously remembered the actor as a "spectacular human being" in a statement shared with Variety .

    "Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone," Shaul said. "He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."

    Contributing: Pamela Avila, USA TODAY

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor

    Expand All
    Comments / 0
    Add a Comment
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
    Local Los Angeles, CA newsLocal Los Angeles, CA
    Most Popular newsMost Popular

    Comments / 0