Current:Home > StocksGeneral Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting -InfinityFinance
General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor's Death: Authorities Arrest 4 People in Connection to Fatal Shooting
View
Date:2025-04-19 10:19:10
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! (58966)
Related
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Time's Running Out for Jaw-Dropping Prime Day Hair Deals: Dyson Airwrap, Color Wow, Wet Brush & More
- How voting before Election Day became so widespread and so political
- Watch hundreds of hot air balloons take over Western skies for massive Balloon Fiesta
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Tennessee nurse and his dog die trying to save man from Hurricane Helene floods
- Firefighters still on hand more than a week after start of trash fire in Maine
- Robert Saleh was reportedly 'blindsided' by being fired as Jets head coach
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- New York Jets retain OC Nathaniel Hackett despite dismissing head coach Robert Saleh
Ranking
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Ryan Seacrest Reveals His Workouts and Diet Changes to Feel 29 Again
- Shop Amazon's October Prime Day 2024 Best Kitchen Deals & Save Up to 78% on KitchenAid, Ninja & More
- 2 plead not guilty to assaulting ex-NY governor. Defense says they aimed to defuse conflict
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- As FEMA prepares for Hurricane Milton, it battles rumors surrounding Helene recovery
- Education Pioneer Wealth Society: Heartfelt Education Pioneer, Empowering with Wealth
- Gun activists say they are aiming to put Massachusetts gun law repeal on 2026 ballot
Recommendation
Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
Angel Dreamer Wealth Society: Empowering the Future, Together with Angel Dreamer
Mets vs. Phillies live updates: NLDS Game 3 time, pitchers, MLB playoffs TV channel
Ryan Garcia passes on rehab, talks about what he's done instead
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Video shows nearly 100 raccoons swarm woman's yard, prompting 911 call in Washington
Want to follow election results like a pro? Here’s what to watch in key states
Céline Dion Shares Emotional Reaction to Kelly Clarkson's My Heart Will Go On Cover