Current:Home > NewsGeneral Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting -MoneyStream
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
View
Date:2025-04-11 12:46:52
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! (18195)
Related
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Juan Soto just getting started – with monster payday right around the corner
- Quentin Tarantino argues Alec Baldwin is partly responsible for 'Rust' shooting
- Horoscopes Today, August 26, 2024
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Nationals' Dylan Crews makes MLB debut on LSU teammate Paul Skenes' heels
- Daughter of ex-MLB pitcher Greg Swindell found 'alive and well' in Oregon after search
- 'The tropics are broken:' So where are all the Atlantic hurricanes?
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Today Only! Run to Coach Outlet's Sitewide Sale & Save up to 90% off Bags, Wallets & More Starting at $21
Ranking
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Rapper Lil Baby arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of concealed weapon violation
- First rioter to enter Capitol during Jan. 6 attack is sentenced to over 4 years in prison
- New Hampshire resident dies after testing positive for mosquito-borne encephalitis virus
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- A judge pauses key Biden immigration program. Immigrant families struggle to figure out what to do.
- Going local: A new streaming service peeks into news in 2024 election swing states
- Dolly Parton is sending free books to children across 21 states — and around the world
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Wisconsin judge rules governor properly used partial veto powers on literacy bill
Man charged in Arkansas grocery store shooting sued by woman who was injured in the attack
Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce Score Eye-Popping Podcast Deal Worth at Least $100 Million
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Mariah Carey Shares Mom Patricia and Sister Alison Recently Died on Same Day
EPA takes charge of Detroit-area cleanup of vaping supplies warehouse destroyed by explosions
Olympics Commentator Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Medal Controversy