Current:Home > FinanceGeneral Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting -VisionFunds
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
View
Date:2025-04-14 23:09:03
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! (6)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- China factory activity contracts in November for 2nd straight month despite stimulus measures
- Endgame's Omid Scobie Denies Naming Anyone Who Allegedly Speculated on Archie's Skin Color
- How one Oregon entrepreneur is trying to sell marijuana out of state, legally
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- In Venezuela, harmful oil spills are mounting as the country ramps up production
- Live updates | Israel and Hamas agree to extend their cease-fire by another day
- Anderson Cooper says he 'never really grieved' before emotional podcast, announces Season 2
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- 3 people dead, 1 hospitalized after explosion at Ohio auto shop
Ranking
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Burning Man narrowly passes environmental inspection months after torrential rain upended festival
- Electric vehicles have almost 80% more problems than gas-powered ones, Consumer Reports says
- Is there playoff chaos coming or will it be drama-free? | College Football Fix
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Americans need an extra $11,400 today just to afford the basics
- Actor Jonathan Majors' trial begins in New York City, after numerous delays
- Fifth group of hostages released after Israel and Hamas agree to extend cease-fire
Recommendation
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Deion Sanders' three biggest mistakes and accomplishments in first year at Colorado
Proof Travis Kelce's Mom Donna Kelce Is Saying Yes Instead of No to Taylor Swift
Anderson Cooper says he 'never really grieved' before emotional podcast, announces Season 2
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Harris plans to attend the COP28 climate summit
Charges dismissed against 3 emergency management supervisors in 2020 death
Canada says Google will pay $74 million annually to Canadian news industry under new online law