Current:Home > MarketsPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-16 08:02:00
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."
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.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
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
veryGood! (84)
Related
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- New Orleans landlord gifts tenants 1 month of free rent for holidays: Better than Santa Claus
- Gypsy Rose Blanchard set to be paroled years after persuading boyfriend to kill her abusive mother
- Nick and Aaron Carter’s Late Sister Bobbie Jean Carter Was Found Unresponsive in Bathroom
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Nordstrom Rack's Year-End Sale Has $19 Vince Camuto Boots, $73 Burberry Sunglasses & More Insane Deals
- Shakira’s hometown unveils a giant statue of the beloved Colombian pop star
- Cameron and Cayden Boozer among 2026 NBA draft hopefuls playing in holiday tournament
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Here are 6 financial moves you really should make by Dec. 31
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Mississippi health department says some medical marijuana products are being retested for safety
- Missing Pregnant Teen and Her Boyfriend Found Dead in Their Car in San Antonio
- Antonio Pierce makes pitch to be Raiders' full-time coach: 'My resume is on the grass'
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Who are the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft? Ranking college QBs before New Year's Six
- As pandemic unfolded, deaths of older adults in Pennsylvania rose steeply in abuse or neglect cases
- Bus collides head-on with truck in central India, killing at least 13
Recommendation
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
The New York Times sues ChatGPT creator OpenAI, Microsoft, for copyright infringement
Editing Reality (2023)
Ariana Grande and Boyfriend Ethan Slater Have a Wicked Date Night
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Jacques Delors, architect of the modern EU and ‘Mr. Europe,’ dies aged 98
Shakira celebrates unveiling of 21-foot bronze statue of her in Colombian hometown
Fox News Radio and sports reporter Matt Napolitano dead at 33 from infection, husband says