Arrests Made in the Killing of ‘General Hospital’ Actor Johnny Wactor
The Los Angeles Police Department has made significant progress in the case of the tragic death of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor, who was shot and killed in May 2024. On Thursday, the LAPD announced the arrest of four suspects connected to the crime, bringing some hope for justice to the late actor’s grieving family and friends.
The Arrests and Charges
The suspects arrested include Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada, who have all been charged with the murder of Wactor. Additionally, a fourth individual, Frank Olano, has been charged as an accessory after the fact. According to the LAPD’s news release, these arrests were the result of search warrants executed by the Central Bureau Homicide team, leading to the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of evidence related to the crime.
Booking records reveal that the bail for Barceleau, Gutierrez, and Olano has been set at $2 million each. However, details regarding Estrada’s bail were not immediately available.
The Tragic Incident
Johnny Wactor, known for his role as Brando Corbin on the popular soap opera “General Hospital,” met a tragic end in the early hours of May 25, 2024. The actor, who was 37 years old at the time of his death, was shot in downtown Los Angeles while attempting to stop a catalytic converter theft.
According to the LAPD’s initial report, Wactor had just finished a bartending shift and was returning to his vehicle when he encountered the suspects. The individuals had already raised Wactor’s car with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter. Without any provocation, one of the suspects shot Wactor, fatally wounding him. Officers arrived at the scene and attempted to provide aid, but Wactor was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Remembering Johnny Wactor
The news of Wactor’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and his fan base. His mother, Scarlett, expressed her profound grief and sorrow in an interview with Fox News, stating, “What I’d like for everybody to know is that they took a great human being. He lived life to the fullest, he chased his dreams, and was a very optimistic, positive person.”
Scarlett’s sentiments were echoed by Wactor’s agent, David Shaul, who remembered the actor as a “spectacular human being” and someone who would “literally give you the shirt off his back.” Shaul added that Wactor’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Seeking Justice
As the legal process unfolds, Wactor’s family and friends are hopeful that justice will be served for the beloved actor. Scarlett, in her interview, emphasized her desire for the perpetrators to be held accountable, saying, “I hope they catch [Wactor’s killers], and I hope there’s justice for Johnny. That’s all I can hope and pray for.”
The arrests mark a significant step forward in the case, and the LAPD’s continued efforts to bring those responsible to justice offer some measure of solace to Wactor’s loved ones. As the investigation progresses, the entertainment industry and fans of “General Hospital” will be watching closely, hoping that the justice system will deliver the closure that Johnny Wactor’s family deserves.
