Four arrested in the murder of ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor
Law enforcement has made arrests related to the murder of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor, who was fatally shot in May.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced on Thursday that four individuals have been taken into custody. Three have been charged with the murder of Wactor, who was 37 years old and fatally wounded in downtown Los Angeles on May 25, while one individual is accused of aiding in the crime.
The LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide executed search warrants early Thursday morning, leading to the arrests and the recovery of evidence, according to a news statement from the department.
The alleged murderers are identified as Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada. Frank Olano has been arrested on a charge of being an “accessory after the fact.”
Based on records reviewed by YSL News, Barceleau, Gutierrez, and Olano have bail set at $2 million. Information about Estrada’s bail was not accessible.
Wactor began his television career in 2007 on the Lifetime series “Army Wives” but gained fame for portraying Brando Corbin on “General Hospital.”
Johnny Wactor shot and killed during attempted theft
The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on May 25 during a catalytic converter theft attempt in the 1200 block of Hope Street, according to a May 28 Los Angeles Police Department press release. Officers began providing first aid to Wactor, who was later taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.
Witnesses indicated that Wactor had just finished his bartending shift when he walked to his car. Upon his arrival, he found three individuals attempting to steal his catalytic converter, which they had raised with a floor jack. One of the suspects shot Wactor without any provocation, according to police reports.
In a May 26 interview with Fox News, Wactor’s mother, Scarlett, expressed her grief over her son’s death.
“I want everyone to know they took an incredible human being,” Scarlett said. “He lived fully, pursued his dreams, and was a positive, optimistic person.”
She added: “I hope they catch those responsible for Johnny’s murder, and I seek justice for him. That’s all I can do is hope and pray. I will be reunited with him in the future.”
Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, fondly recalled him as a “remarkable human being,” in a statement to Variety.
“Working with Johnny was a privilege that we wish everyone could experience,” Shaul remarked. “He was the kind of person who would give you anything he had. After more than ten years together, he will leave an irreplaceable gap in our lives.”