Current:Home > ScamsPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -Capital Dream Guides
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-12 11:53:01
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! (5115)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- The Kentucky Derby could be a wet one. Early favorites Fierceness, Sierra Leone have won in the slop
- Congressman praises heckling of war protesters, including 1 who made monkey gestures at Black woman
- Bucks' Patrick Beverley throws ball at Pacers fans, later removes reporter from interview
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- That Jaw-Dropping Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Solange Elevator Ride—And More Unforgettable Met Gala Moments
- Music Review: Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ is controlled dance pop
- What does '6:16 in LA' mean? Fans analyze Kendrick Lamar's latest Drake diss
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Slain Charlotte officer remembered as hard-charging cop with soft heart for his family
Ranking
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Here are the job candidates that employers are searching for most
- Celebrate May the Fourth with These Star Wars Items That Are Jedi-Approved
- Lewis Hamilton faces awkward questions about Ferrari before Miami F1 race with Mercedes-AMG
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Tiffany Haddish Reveals the Surprising Way She's Confronting Online Trolls
- 'Freedom to Learn' protesters push back on book bans, restrictions on Black history
- Former New York Giants tight end Aaron Thomas dies at 86
Recommendation
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Kate Hudson makes debut TV performance on 'Tonight Show,' explains foray into music: Watch
The Idea of You Author Robinne Lee Has Eyebrow-Raising Reaction to Movie's Ending
Bucks' Patrick Beverley throws ball at Pacers fans, later removes reporter from interview
Small twin
William H. Macy praises wife Felicity Huffman's 'great' performance in upcoming show
Woman wins $1 million scratch-off lottery prize twice, less than 10 weeks apart
Music Review: Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ is controlled dance pop