Current:Home > MyGeneral Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting -Aspire Capital Guides
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
View
Date:2025-04-19 17:16:45
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! (9)
Related
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Man swept out to sea from NYC beach rescued by fisherman 2 miles off NJ coast
- Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis on being handcuffed and removed from a United flight: I felt powerless
- 3 Montana inmates die in Cascade County Detention Center in 2 weeks
- Small twin
- The “greenhouse effect”: How an oft-touted climate solution threatens agricultural workers
- Paris mayor swims in Seine to show the long-polluted river is clean for the Olympics
- Kim Jae Joong reflects on 20-year career, how 'Flower Garden' is his 'ultimate expression'
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Dick Van Dyke Addresses 46-Year Age Gap With Wife Arlene Silver
Ranking
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Here's how to get rid of bees around your home
- Democrats consider expelling Menendez from the Senate after conviction in bribery trial
- Peter Navarro, ex-Trump trade adviser, released from prison
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Immigrants power job growth, help tame inflation. But is there a downside for the economy?
- Here Are the Irresistible Hidden Gems from Amazon Prime Day & They’re up to 90% Off
- Simone Biles documentary director talks working with the GOAT, why she came back, more
Recommendation
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Dave Portnoy rescued by Coast Guard after drifting out to sea: 'Almost lost Captain Dave'
Tinx Convinced Me That Prime Day Should Replace New Year’s Resolutions and She Shares Her Top Deals
Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis on being handcuffed and removed from a United flight: I felt powerless
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Tyler James Williams, Nikki Glaser, Eric André and more react to their Emmy nominations
Biden considering proposals to reform Supreme Court
Homeland Security inspector general to probe Secret Service handling of Trump rally