The hammer of the law is dangling over four teenagers after Los Angeles police charged them for the killing of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor. The incident took place on May 25, 2024, as the actor approached his car after closing from work at a bar.
District Attorney for the Los Angeles County District, George Gascón, announced on Monday, August 1, 2024. He mentioned Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18 years old, as the primary suspects in the murder. Meanwhile, two other suspects, Leonel Guiterrez, 18, and Frank Olano, 22, will face lesser charges.
Barceleau, Estrada, and Guiterrez will answer to one count each of attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm. Police also slammed them with one count each of grand theft. Law enforcement also charged Barceleau, especially with murder, during an attempted robbery. He could get a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
Estrada was specially charged with one count of murder while armed with a firearm and could also face life imprisonment. Police charged Olano with one count of being an accessory after the fact to murder and receiving stolen property.
They also charged him with three counts of being a felon with a firearm. Guiterrez could face 4 years and 8 months in prison, while Olano could be sentenced to 5 years and 8 months.
Arrests Have Been Made in Connection to the Death of General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor
After the unfortunate attack, the LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide Division commenced an investigation to unravel the culprits and the facts of the case. To the relief of Johnny Wactor’s family and fans, the division announced the arrest of suspects on August 15, 2024.
According to a statement from the division, “Early this morning, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Bureau Homicide conducted search warrants relating to the John Wactor case at several locations throughout Los Angeles.”
The move led to the arrest of Barceleau of Huntington Park, Olano of Inglewood, Gutierrez, and Estrada, who both were from L.A. County. The four suspects were alleged car thieves who accosted Johnny Wactor and a female colleague.
While Barceleau was denied bail, Estrada is being held on $2,070,000 bond. Guiterrez is held on $120,000 bail, and Olana is held on a $1,080,000 bond.
Before the police came up with the charges, they had released pieces of evidence tying the four men to the murder. The LAPD released still images taken from the video footage of the incident. The images showed the four men in an SUV on the day of the killing. It was a black Infiniti Q50 sedan, which they had allegedly stolen earlier.
The police reassured the public that they would do their best to ensure that justice prevailed in the case. “We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” Gascón promised in a press release.
What Happened to Actor Johnny Wactor
Johnny Wactor and his co-worker were walking to his car at about 3:25 a.m. after concluding their overnight bar shift when the attack occurred. According to Grant Wactor, Johnny Wactor’s brother, Johnny stood to shield his colleague. In addition, he had his arms raised before the suspects fired at him.
Grant stated that Johnny Wactor “did not confront them.” “He did not try to stop them. He was just trying to diffuse the situation by stepping back,” he said. According to a medical examiner, Johnny Wactor died as a result of gunshot wounds to his chest. The police classified the death as a homicide.
Johnny Wactor’s death was a massive blow to his family, friends, and industry peers. His agent, David Shaul, described him as a “spectacular human being” while confirming news of his murder on May 25.
“Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him,” Shaul said in May. “Standing for hard work, tenacity, and a never-give-up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession, he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,” he stated.
Johnny Wactor’s Family Says There’s Been No Closure
Despite the arrests of the suspects, Johnny Wactor’s friends and family haven’t yet been satisfied that justice has been done. “Not yet,” was the response of Johnny Wactor’s friend, Micah Parker, when asked if the arrest of the victims has brought the required respite.
“We’ve been waiting on this day for so long that you’d think there would be a sense of relief, but when this day comes, it’s sort of a reminder that no matter what happens, Johnny is gone,” he said. Walker has been vocal about calls for justice in the case through the #JusticeForJohnny movement. “We’ll keep fighting,” he says.
Johnny Wactor’s Net Worth
Through a remarkable acting career, Johnny Wactor amassed considerable wealth. As of April 2024, he was worth $9 million. He built this net worth through his participation in prestigious movie projects. Worthy of note was his role-playing Brando Corbin in “General Hospital” for two years.
He has also played lead roles in popular series such as “Station 19,” “NCIS,” “The OA,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Hollywood Girl.” In addition, Johnny Wactor appeared in movie projects such as “Supercell,” “Broken Riders,” and “Cold Soldiers.” Johnny Wactor’s family has also set up a GoFundMe for the dead actor.
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