Four charged in shooting murder of ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor
On Monday, August 19, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced murder charges levied against four men in connection with the shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor. The actor was killed in May during a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt.
Related, see: ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor shot and killed during robbery in Los Angeles
“Johnny Wactor’s life was senselessly taken while he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles. We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The loss of this talented young actor, who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world, is deeply felt by all of us. Mr. Wactor’s work and presence touched the lives of many, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire community who mourn this devastating loss.”
Mayor Karen Bass expressed her continued condolences to the Wactor family and the community mourning his loss. “I want to thank the LAPD for their work and partnership throughout the investigation and for their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe and to bring justice to victims of violence,” Mayor Bass said. “We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer. Those who commit crimes must be held fully responsible for their actions.”
The case is being investigated by LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide Division.
The four charged in connection with Wactor’s senseless murder are identified below.
- Robert Barceleau (dob 05/01/2006) was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances of murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm; one count of attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.
- Sergio Estrada (dob 05/12/2006) was charged with one count of murder with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.
- Leonel Gutierrez (dob 12/17/2005) was charged with one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.
- Frank Olano (dob 02/15/2002) was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder; one count of receiving stolen property; and three counts of being a felon with a firearm.
Background: On May 25 at about 3:25 a.m., Johnny Wactor, 37, was leaving his bartending job in the Moxy Hotel, located at 1260 South Figueroa Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles, when he encountered three men suspected of trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car parked at Hope Street near Pico Boulevard. Defendant Barceleau allegedly shot Wactor once in the chest. Wactor died at an area hospital.
Barceleau is being held without bail. Estrada is being held on $2,070,000 bail. Olano is being held on $1,080,000 bail. Gutierrez is being held on $120,000 bail.
If convicted as charged, Barceleau faces life in prison without parole. Estrada faces a maximum of life in prison. Olano faces five years, eight months in prison. Gutierrez faces four years, eight months in prison.
For more on the four men charged with murdering actor Johnny Wactor, see the video accompanying tis article.
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Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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One thought on “Four charged in shooting murder of ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor”
very informative article..