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Four Suspects Charged In The Shooting Of 'General Hospital' Star Johnny Wactor
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on August 16, 2024 at 2:45 PM EDT
Four suspects are now in cuffs, linked to the fatal shooting of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor.
Law enforcement sources say Johnny was tragically gunned down back in May after he interrupted a catalytic converter theft.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department named three primary suspects in the shooting that killed Johnny Wactor, with a fourth accused of being an accessory to the crime.
Three 18-Year-Olds Arrested, A Fourth Accused Of Being An Accessory To The Crime
![Johnny Wactor smiling](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/08/16135727/Johnny-Wactor-3-scaled.jpg?)
18-year-olds Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada, are all facing murder charges. Frank Olano, 22, is also in hot water, accused of being an accessory to the crime.
The LAPD’s central homicide bureau executed search warrants across L.A., leading to these arrests and uncovering crucial evidence in the case, per NBC News.
Bail for the suspects has been set at $2 million each, according to jail records, but it’s unclear if they’ve lawyered up yet.
L.A. Mayor Releases Statement Following Latest Updates
![LAPD releases images of suspects in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/08/16134757/police-car-relating-to-Johnny-Wactor-case-scaled.jpg?)
Details about the arrests and what evidence was found are still under wraps, but L.A. Mayor Karen Bass made a statement praising the police and vowing to ensure that the people behind "this brazen and heinous act are held fully accountable."
Johnny Wactor, just 37, tragically lost his life on May 25. After finishing a bartending shift in downtown L.A., he stumbled upon three guys jacking up his car and trying to swipe his catalytic converter. Without any warning, one of them shot Johnny, according to the LAPD.
Johnny Wactor Was Fatally Shot In May
![Johnny Wactor at General Hospital Fantasy Event](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/08/16134837/Johnny-Wactor-1-scaled.jpg?)
A friend and co-worker who was with Johnny that night shared further details—when they first walked up to his car, they thought it might just be getting towed. Little did they know the nightmare that was about to unfold.
"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,” the friend, Anita Joy, wrote on Instagram days after the killing, according to NBC News.
"As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed for him, I shouted ‘Hunny you ok?!’ And he only responded ‘Nope! Shot!’” she added.
She added the two "toppled onto the street" which is when she attempted to hold his body up "while screaming for help and screaming at him" to stay with her.
The suspects made a quick getaway in a dark sedan, according to the LAPD. Johnny was rushed to a local hospital, but it was too late—he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Who Was Johnny Wactor?
![Johnny Wactor at Los Angeles Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures' 'The Mule'](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/08/16134846/Johnny-Wactor-blue-suit-scaled.jpg?)
Johnny was known as the heartthrob Brando Corbin on "General Hospital." He joined the soap scene in 2020, quickly winning over fans with his complex and troubled character. His character got mixed up in some major drama, from steamy romances to dark twists that kept viewers glued to their screens.
But Johnny’s talent wasn’t just limited to soaps. Before his big break on "GH," he hustled hard in Hollywood, landing roles in various TV shows and films.
Tragically, Johnny’s life was cut short when he was fatally shot in May 2024.
“They took a wonderful person,” Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, said in an interview with “Good Morning America," per The Los Angeles Times.
Plus, a woman claiming to be his godmother shared her heartbreak in a GoFundMe set up to support Johnny’s family, writing, “Johnny was the kindest soul,” pleading for justice.
Family And Friends Remember The Late Actor
![Johnny Wactor smiling](https://theblast.prod.media.wordpress.mattersmedia.io/brand-img/123/0x0/2024/08/16135706/Johnny-Wactor-2-scaled.jpg?)
Meanwhile, actor and filmmaker Tessa Farrell, who was once engaged to Johnny, poured out her grief in a heartfelt Instagram video. She didn’t hold back, calling for justice and demanding stricter law enforcement in the wake of Johnny’s murder.
“Johnny’s above now looking down and I’m so happy that I think we found happiness before he went because that was his dream in life is to be happy,” Farrell said, remembering Johnny's “fun” personality, their “too fiery” romantic relationship and “phenomenal” acting skills.
“We brought out the best in each other, and then also the darkest parts of each other; our lives were both forever changed,” she added. “I’m so happy that he found sobriety after that relationship.”