Individual admits guilt in case concerning the death of ‘General Hospital’ star Johnny Wactor
One of the four individuals implicated in the death of Johnny Wactor, a “General Hospital” actor, has pleaded guilty.
Leonel Gutierrez, 18, entered a guilty plea for attempted robbery and grand theft on Wednesday, as announced by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday. He is currently out on a $120,000 bond and will be sentenced on Nov. 1.
According to reports from the Los Angeles Times and CBS News, Gutierrez could face up to four years and eight months in prison based on his charges.
Wactor, recognized for his portrayal of Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” was shot in the chest on May 25 in downtown Los Angeles. He was 37 years old.
The other three suspects, Robert Barceleau, 18; Sergio Estrada, 18; and Frank Olano, 22, are still facing charges. They have all pleaded not guilty to felony offenses and have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 16.
On August 14, the four men were apprehended. Barceleau, who investigators say shot Wactor, and Estrada were each charged with murder, attempted robbery, and grand theft.
Olano is facing charges including being an accessory after the fact to murder, receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If found guilty, Barceleau could face life imprisonment without parole, while Estrada could face a maximum of life in prison. Gutierrez faces four years and eight months, and Olano could receive five years and eight months in prison.
Johnny Wactor’s mother: ‘Grief is always with me’
Wactor was shot at approximately 3 a.m. on May 25 during an attempted theft of a catalytic converter in the 1200 block of Hope Street, according to a news release from the LAPD on May 28. Officers provided immediate aid to Wactor, who was later taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Witnesses reported that Wactor had just finished his bartending shift and was heading to his car when he encountered three individuals trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle, which was raised with a floor jack. One of these individuals shot him without provocation, according to LAPD.
At a news conference in downtown Los Angeles last month, Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, expressed her profound sadness, saying, “Grief is my constant companion,” as reported by The Associated Press.
She added, “I can’t wish him happy birthday on Aug. 31 — he would have turned 38. I can’t ask if he’s coming home for Christmas. I can’t inquire how his day was.”