Current:Home > MarketsGeneral Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting -Capitatum
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-06 07:04:10
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! (5984)
Related
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Why Julianne Hough's Kinrgy Workout Class Will Bring You to Tears—in the Best Way
- Nicki Minaj Detained by Police at Amsterdam Airport and Livestreams Incident
- Forecasters warn Oklahoma may see dangerous tornadoes as Texas bakes in record heat
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Kyle Richards Has Been Using This Lip Gloss for 15 Years
- Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to miss Game 3 vs. Celtics with hamstring injury
- NASCAR at Charlotte spring 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Coca-Cola 600
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- See How Kate Gosselin and Jon Gosselin's 8 Kids Have Grown Up Through the Years
Ranking
- Man charged with murder in death of beloved Detroit-area neurosurgeon
- Sofia Richie announces birth of her first child, daughter Eloise: 'Best day of my life'
- All-NBA snub doesn't really matter: Celtics are getting best of Jaylen Brown in NBA playoffs
- Globe-trotting archeologist who drew comparisons to Indiana Jones dies at age 94
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Prosecutors seek to bar Trump in classified files case from statements endangering law enforcement
- Burger King accelerates release of $5 value meal to outdo upcoming McDonald's deal
- Mega Millions winning numbers for May 24 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $489 million
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Las Vegas Aces' Becky Hammon, A'ja Wilson: Critics getting Caitlin Clark narrative wrong
Rapper Nicki Minaj says Dutch police told her they found pot in bags
3 injured, 1 arrested at Skyline High School's graduation in Oakland, California: Police
Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
Ranked-choice voting has challenged the status quo. Its popularity will be tested in November
Your Memorial Day beach plans may be less than fin-tastic: Watch for sharks, rip currents
Man convicted of murder in death of Washington state police officer shot by deputy