Current:Home > NewsPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -InvestPioneer
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
TradeEdge View
Date:2025-04-09 19:16:12
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! (7)
Related
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Illinois semitruck crash causes 5 fatalities and an ammonia leak evacuation for residents
- Who is Arthur Engoron? Judge weighing future of Donald Trump empire is Ivy League-educated ex-cabbie
- Las Vegas Raiders release DE Chandler Jones one day after arrest
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- The Supreme Court’s new term starts Monday. Here’s what you need to know
- Why Kris Jenner Made Corey Gamble Turn Down Role in Yellowstone
- Emergency services on scene after more than 30 trapped in church roof collapse
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Shopping for Barbie at the airport? Hot Wheels on a cruise ship? Toys R Us has got you
Ranking
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Kansas police chief suspended in wake of police raid on local newspaper
- ‘PAW Patrol’ shows bark at box office while ‘The Creator’ and ‘Dumb Money’ disappoint
- ‘PAW Patrol’ shows bark at box office while ‘The Creator’ and ‘Dumb Money’ disappoint
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Watch little girl race across tarmac to Navy dad returning home
- Jrue Holiday being traded to Boston, AP source says, as Portland continues making moves
- Gaetz says he will seek to oust McCarthy as speaker this week. ‘Bring it on,’ McCarthy says
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
‘PAW Patrol’ shows bark at box office while ‘The Creator’ and ‘Dumb Money’ disappoint
Ukraine aid left out of government funding package, raising questions about future US support
Why former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was at the Iowa-Michigan State game
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
Roof of a church collapses during a Mass in northern Mexico, trapping about 30 people in the rubble
Donald Trump says he will be in courtroom for New York trial scrutinizing his business practices
Taylor Swift's next rumored stadium stop hikes up ticket prices for Chiefs-Jets game