Current:Home > NewsPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -Mastery Money Tools
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-24 22:37:24
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
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Ford recalls more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles over battery risk
- Proof Kourtney Kardashian's Vibe Right Now Is Just Living Life With Her Family
- The Walking Dead’s Tom Payne Welcomes Twins With Wife Jennifer Åkerman
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Unlike Deion Sanders, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule has been prolific in off-campus recruiting
- Prince William Returns to Royal Duties Weeks After Kate Middleton’s Health Update
- Attorney general won’t file criminal case against LA officer in 2021 shooting that killed teen
- Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
- When is the Kentucky Derby? Time, how to watch, horses in 150th running at Churchill Downs
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Wednesday's NHL games: Austin Matthews looks to score his 70th goal against Lightning
- Google fires 28 workers after office sit-ins to protest cloud contract with Israel
- Voter ID took hold in the North Carolina primary. But challenges remain for the fall election
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Boston Rex Sox pitcher Tanner Houck throws 94-pitch shutout against Cleveland Guardians
- Charges dropped against suspect in 2016 cold case slaying of Tulane graduate
- Athletes beware: Jontay Porter NBA betting scheme is a lesson in stupidity
Recommendation
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Ellen Ash Peters, first female chief justice of Connecticut Supreme Court, dies at 94
Camila Mendes Keeps Her Evolving Style Flower-Fresh in Coach Outlet’s Latest Flower World Collection
Neighbor risks life to save man, woman from house fire in Pennsylvania: Watch heroic act
Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
Breaking down Team USA men's Olympic basketball roster for 2024 Paris Games
Independent country artist Tanner Adell on how appearing on Beyoncé's latest album is catapulting her career
11-year-old boy killed in ATV crash in northern Maine, wardens say