Current:Home > MyGeneral Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting -WealthEngine
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
View
Date:2025-04-16 07:34:32
Authorities have made multiple arrests in connection to the shooting death of Johnny Wactor.
The Los Angeles Police Department took four people into custody Aug. 15 as part of the investigation into the General Hospital actor’s homicide, according to a news release.
Robert Barceleau, 18, Leonel Gutierrez, 18, and Sergio Estrada, 18, were booked on arrest warrants for murder, while 22-year-old Frank Olano was booked on a warrant for accessory after the fact, per police.
E! News was unable to determine if the four had obtained lawyers to speak on their behalf.
Wactor was shot and killed May 25 in downtown L.A. after discovering thieves tampering with a car, his mother told NBC Los Angeles at the time.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting at 3:25 a.m. to find Wactor suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, per an LAPD press release. The soap star was taken to a local 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," read a May 28 press release from the LAPD. "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. Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals."
Police said the three suspects fled the scene in a dark sedan.
Wactor’s coworker Anita Joy later detailed the 37-year-old’s heroic final moments in the wake of his death, sharing that they were leaving the bar together when they came across the men.
"We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed," she wrote on Instagram on May 29. "We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace."
Wactor stood in front of her to shield her from the perpetrators, but in an "instant" she said they were attacked.
"As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms," she recalled. "As I grabbed for him, I shouted 'Hunny you ok?!' And he only responded, 'Nope! Shot!' We toppled onto the street where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me."
Joy said she watched her friend of eight years die in her arms, adding she’s “utterly heartbroken and so very angry” over his passing.
"My only peace is that I was with him and this didn't happen to him alone,” she wrote. “My only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice."
Read on to look back on his life in photos.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (38334)
Related
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- A strike would add to turbulent times at Boeing
- Miss Switzerland Finalist Kristina Joksimovic's Remains Allegedly Pureed in Blender by Husband
- Make Your NFL Outfit Stadium Suite-Worthy: Bags
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- New York City lawmakers approve bill to study slavery and reparations
- High-tech search for 1968 plane wreck in Michigan’s Lake Superior shows nothing so far
- New Hampshire governor signs voter proof-of-citizenship to take effect after November elections
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Consumers are expected to spend more this holiday season
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Make Your NFL Outfit Stadium Suite-Worthy: Bags
- Police killing of an unarmed Nebraska man prompts officers to reconsider no-knock warrants
- Filipino televangelist pleads not guilty to human trafficking charges
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions star linebacker on 1957 champions and ex-coach, dead at 92
- Testimony begins in civil case claiming sexual abuse of ex-patients at Virginia children’s hospital
- It took 50,000 gallons of water to put out Tesla Semi fire in California, US agency says
Recommendation
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Plants and flowers safe for cats: A full list
Montana miner to lay off hundreds due to declining palladium prices
Ferguson activist raised in the Black Church showed pastors how to aid young protesters
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Pilots of an Alaska Airlines jet braked to avoid a possible collision with a Southwest plane
2024 MTV VMAs: Britney Spears' Thoughts Will Make You Scream & Shout
Colorado mayor, police respond to Trump's claims that Venezuelan gang is 'taking over'