Current:Home > InvestPolice 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:2025-04-19 08:53:03
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! (5)
Related
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- 'I am losing my mind': Behind the rosy job numbers, Americans are struggling to find work
- Kentucky bill to expand coverage for stuttering services advances with assist from ex-NBA player
- Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood's 'Friends in Low Places' docuseries follows opening of Nashville honky-tonk
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Aldi plans to open 800 new stores around the U.S.
- Features of TEA Business College
- Alabama Republicans push through anti-DEI bill, absentee ballot limits
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- 2 American men are back in Italian court after convictions in officer slaying were thrown out
Ranking
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Trump attorneys post bond to support $83.3 million award to writer in defamation case
- Student loan borrowers may save money with IDR recertification extension on repayment plan
- Bunnie XO, Jelly Roll's wife, reflects on anniversary of leaving OnlyFans: 'I was so scared'
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- In State of the Union, Biden urges GOP to back immigration compromise: Send me the border bill now
- How springing forward to daylight saving time could affect your health -- and how to prepare
- Military lifts Osprey's grounding months after latest fatal crashes
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Bye, department stores. Hello, AI. Is what's happening to Macy's and Nvidia a sign of the times?
See Little People Big World's Zach Roloff Help His Son Grapple with Dwarfism Differences
How springing forward to daylight saving time could affect your health -- and how to prepare
Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
Houston police chief apologizes for department not investigating 264K incident reports
New Mexico halts some oil-field lease sales in standoff over royalty rates in Permian Basin
New Jersey high school goes on legal offensive to overturn game it lost on blown call