Current:Home > MarketsPolice arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor -TrueNorth Finance Path
Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor
PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-09 05:57:37
Arrests have been made in the killing of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor, who died in a shooting in May.
The Los Angeles Police Department announced Thursday the arrests of four suspects in the case. Three are accused of murdering the 37-year-old, who died from a gunshot wound to the chest in downtown Los Angeles on May 25, and one man is accused of being an accessory to the crime.
The LAPD's Central Bureau Homicide carried out search warrants Thursday morning, which resulted in "four people being arrested and evidence recovered," the LAPD said in a news release.
The murder suspects in the case are Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez and Sergio Estrada. Frank Olano was booked on an arrest warrant for "accessory after the fact."
According to booking records reviewed by USA TODAY, Barceleau, Gutierrez and Olano's bail is set at $2 million. Records for Estrada were not available.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Wactor, who made his TV debut in 2007 on the Lifetime drama series "Army Wives," was best known for his role as Brando Corbin on "General Hospital."
Johnny Wactor shot, killed during suspected theft attempt
Wactor was shot around 3 a.m. May 25 during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the 1200 block of Hope Street, per LAPD's May 28 news release. Officers "began to render aid" to Wactor, who was later transported to a nearby 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. 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," LAPD reported. "Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals."
'You shot the wrong guy':Johnny Wactor's ex posts emotional video
Wactor's mother, Scarlett, reflected on her son's death in a May 26 interview with Fox News.
"What I'd like for everybody to know is that they took a great human being," Scarlett said. "He lived life to the fullest, he chased his dreams (and was) a very optimistic, positive person."
She concluded: "I hope they catch (Wactor's killers), and I hope there’s justice for Johnny. That’s all I can hope and pray for. I will see him again."
Wactor's agent, David Shaul, previously remembered the actor as a "spectacular human being" in a statement shared with Variety.
"Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone," Shaul said. "He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever."
Contributing: Pamela Avila, USA TODAY
veryGood! (1185)
Related
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Crane collapses into building where Tampa Bay Times is located: Watch damage from Milton
- Close call at Nashville airport came after planes were directed to same runway, probe shows
- 49 Prime Day Home Deals Celebrities Love Starting at $6.39: Khloe Kardashian, Nick Cannon & More
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- When will Christian McCaffrey play? Latest injury updates on 49ers RB
- Immigrants brought to U.S. as children are asking judges to uphold protections against deportation
- Fantasy football injury report Week 6: Latest on Malik Nabers, Joe Mixon, A.J. Brown, more
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Bacon hogs the spotlight in election debates, but reasons for its sizzling inflation are complex
Ranking
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Three Bags Full
- Minnesota Twins announce plans for sale after 40 years in the Pohlad family
- J. Cole explains exit from Kendrick Lamar, Drake beef in 'Port Antonio'
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- JoJo Siwa Details Surprising Girlfriend Dakayla Wilson With $30,000 Birthday Trip
- Save $160 on Beats x Kim Kardashian Headphones—Limited Stock for Prime Day
- Here's the one thing 'Saturday Night' director Jason Reitman implored his actors not to do
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Hurricane Milton hitting near the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Michael
Sister Wives’ Christine and Janelle Weigh in on Kody and Robyn’s Marital Tension
Last Chance for Prime Day 2024: The Top 26 Last-Minute Deals You Should Add to Your Cart Now
Bodycam footage shows high
Fantasy football injury report Week 6: Latest on Malik Nabers, Joe Mixon, A.J. Brown, more
A federal judge will hear more evidence on whether to reopen voter registration in Georgia
7-year-old climbs out of car wreck to flag help after fatal crash in Washington