Current:Home > FinancePolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -WealthRise Academy
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
View
Date:2025-04-15 02:33:40
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! (75)
Related
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Why does South Carolina's Dawn Staley collect confetti? Tradition started in 2015
- Boy trapped and killed after a truck crashes into river in Colorado, sheriff says
- City-country mortality gap widens amid persistent holes in rural health care access
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- 2 dead after car crash with a Washington State Patrol trooper, authorities say
- What time the 2024 solar eclipse starts, reaches peak totality and ends today
- Hall of Fame coach John Calipari makes stunning jump from Kentucky to Arkansas
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Israel finds the body of a hostage killed in Gaza while negotiators say talks will resume on a cease-fire
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Tori Spelling Reveals If a Pig Really Led to Dean McDermott Divorce
- Defending champ UConn returns to NCAA title game, beating Alabama 86-72
- Cole Brings Plenty, 1923 actor, found dead in Kansas days after being reported missing
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Winning $1.326 billion Powerball ticket drawn in Oregon
- Blue's Clues' Steve Burns Shares His Thoughts on Quiet on Set Docuseries
- Toby Keith honored at 2024 CMT Awards with moving tribute from Sammy Hagar, Lainey Wilson
Recommendation
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
When does Purdue and UConn play in March Madness? Breaking down the NCAA Tournament title game
Drake Bell Defends Josh Peck From “Attack” After Quiet on Set
Massachusetts city is set to settle a lawsuit in the death of an opioid-addicted woman
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Yes, dogs can understand, link objects to words, researchers say
Trial to begin against railroad over deaths in Montana town where thousands were exposed to asbestos
Total solar eclipse 2024: Watch livestream of historic eclipse from path of totality