Current:Home > StocksPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -FundTrack
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-15 10:42:35
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! (241)
Related
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- What is ‘dry drowning’ and ‘secondary drowning’? Here's everything you need to know.
- Julie Bowen Reacts to Being Credited for Saving Sarah Hyland From Abusive Relationship
- Rumer Willis, sisters join mom Demi Moore's 'Demi-ssance' hype: 'You look iconic'
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Michael Doulas visits Israel to show solidarity as war in Gaza continues
- Atlanta water trouble: Many under boil-water advisory as Army Corps of Engineers assists
- Pilot rescued from burning helicopter that crashed in woods in New Hampshire
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Angel Reese okay with 'bad guy' role in WNBA after Chicago Sky-Indiana Fever game
Ranking
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Taraji P. Henson will host the 2024 BET Awards. Here’s what to know about the show
- Poppi prebiotic soda isn't as healthy as it claims, lawsuit alleges
- New Jersey Democrats and Republicans picking Senate, House candidates amid Menendez corruption trial
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Another chance to see the aurora? Predictions say this weekend could be good.
- Confrontation between teen and NYC parks officer, captured on video, leads to investigation
- Lawmakers pursue legislation that would make it illegal to share digitally altered images known as deepfake porn
Recommendation
Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
Corporate breeder that mistreated thousands of beagles pleads guilty, will pay $22 million in fines
Feds seek person who left bag of $120,000 with promise of more at home of food fraud juror
Budget season arrives in Pennsylvania Capitol as lawmakers prepare for debate over massive surplus
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
U.K. goldfish goes viral after mysteriously found on doctor's lawn seconds from death
Epoch Times CFO charged with participating in $67M money laundering scheme
Justin Timberlake pauses concert to help fan during medical emergency, video shows