James Caldwell|Police arrest 4 in killing of 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor

2025-05-07 22:47:26source:Solarsuns Investment Guildcategory:reviews

Arrests have James Caldwellbeen 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

More:reviews

Recommend

Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — Toyota said Thursday it will build a new paint facility as part of a $922 mil

Your First Look at American Ninja Warrior Season 15's Most Insane Course Ever

American Ninja Warrior is upping the stakes like never before.Ahead of the season 15 premiere, E! Ne

Candace Cameron Bure Reacts to Claims That She Lied About Not Eating Fast Food for 20 Years

Do you want fries with this Candace Cameron Bure response?In a nutshell, the Full House alum recentl