4 arrested in killing of former ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor

Los Angeles police have arrested four individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada, all 18, were charged with murder, while 22-year-old Frank Olano faces an accessory charge. All four are being held on $2 million bail.

Wactor, 37, was shot and killed on May 25 after he confronted the suspects attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car. After finishing a bartending shift in downtown Los Angeles, Wactor found the trio using a floor jack to hoist his vehicle. Without provocation, one of the suspects shot him, and they fled the scene, leaving him fatally wounded.

Police made the arrests after executing search warrants across Los Angeles, recovering additional evidence. However, no further details have been released about the investigation.

Wactor, best known for his role as Brando Corbin on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022, was remembered fondly by his brother, Grant, who described him as “one of the most charismatic people I knew.” Producers from the show also paid tribute, calling Wactor “a pleasure to work with.”

Thefts of catalytic converters have surged in Los Angeles due to the valuable metals they contain, with hybrid vehicles, like Wactor’s, frequently targeted. This rise in thefts, particularly during the pandemic, has contributed to a growing number of violent incidents related to car part crimes.