Current:Home > InvestPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -WealthRoots Academy
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-12 19:51:40
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! (6)
Related
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Doja Cat offers Yetis, mud wrestling and ASAP Rocky as guest in arty Coachella headlining set
- Here's the maximum Social Security benefit you can collect if you're retiring at 70 this year
- LIV Golf Masters: Results, scores leaderboard for LIV tour as DeChambeau finishes top 10
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Here's what time taxes are due on April 15
- 2 officers, suspect killed in shootout in Syracuse, New York, suburb, authorities say
- 2 bodies found, 4 people arrested in connection to missing Kansas women in Oklahoma
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Cryptocurrency is making lots of noise, literally
Ranking
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Robert MacNeil, longtime anchor of PBS NewsHour nightly newscast, dies at 93
- Surprise! Gwen Stefani, No Doubt team up with Olivia Rodrigo at Coachella on 'Bathwater'
- Sunday Morning archives: Impressionism at 150
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Is orange juice good for you? Why one woman's 'fruitarianism' diet is causing controversy.
- NBA playoffs: Who made it? Bracket, seeds, matchups, play-in tournament schedule, TV
- Fashion isn’t just for the eyes: Upcoming Met Gala exhibit aims to be a multi-sensory experience
Recommendation
As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
ERNEST on new album and overcoming a heart attack at 19 to follow his country music dreams
Grimes apologizes for 'technical issues' during Coachella set: 'It was literally sonic chaos'
Everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid, according to a dermatologist.
'Most Whopper
Plan an Organized & Stress-Free Move with These Moving & Packing Essentials
Rep. McCaul says decision on Ukraine aid vote is a speaker determination
Tyler, the Creator fires up Coachella 2024 in playful set with Donald Glover, A$AP Rocky