Current:Home > MyPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -Prime Money Path
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:49:44
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! (366)
Related
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- Kentucky appeals court denies Bob Baffert-trained Arkansas Derby winner Muth to enter Kentucky Derby
- Camila and Matthew McConaughey's 3 Kids Look All Grown Up at Rare Red Carpet Appearance
- Hamas releases video of injured Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin
- Sam Taylor
- Antiwar protesters’ calls for divestment at universities put spotlight on how endowments are managed
- Watch family members reunite with soldiers after 9 months of waiting
- The hidden costs of unpaid caregiving in America
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Why is everyone telling you to look between letters on your keyboard? Latest meme explained
Ranking
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- BNSF becomes 2nd major railroad to sign on to anonymous federal safety hotline for some workers
- Jack Wagoner, attorney who challenged Arkansas’ same-sex marriage ban, dies
- 18-year-old Bowie High School student shot, killed by another student in Texas, police say
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry named 2023-24 NBA Clutch Player of the Year
- Harvey Weinstein timeline: The movie mogul's legal battles before NY conviction overturned
- Psst! Target’s Spring Home Sale Has Hundreds of Deals up to 50% off on Furniture, Kitchen Items & More
Recommendation
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Summer House's Carl Radke Reveals His Influencer Income—And Why Lindsay Hubbard Earns More
As some universities negotiate with pro-Palestinian protestors, others quickly call the police
The Justice Department admitted a Navy jet fuel leak in Hawaii caused thousands to suffer injuries. Now, victims are suing the government.
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Fed plan to rebuild Pacific sardine population was insufficient, California judge finds
Giants place Blake Snell on 15-day IL with adductor strain
Antiwar protesters’ calls for divestment at universities put spotlight on how endowments are managed