On August 15th, the Los Angeles Police Department made a decisive move, apprehending three 18-year-olds and a 22-year-old individual, all wanted for the heinous crime of murder, nearly three months after the tragic shooting of beloved "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor. The 37-year-old's untimely demise had left the city reeling, and the LAPD's relentless pursuit of justice finally bore fruit.
In a solemn statement shared with PEOPLE, the LAPD revealed that they had not only captured four suspects but also secured crucial evidence on that fateful day, marking a significant step forward in their ongoing investigation into Wactor's death on May 25th. The young actor met his end while coming across armed thieves who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle.
"Dawn broke over Los Angeles as the Central Bureau Homicide unit of the LAPD executed search warrants related to the John Wactor case, spanning multiple locations across the city," the statement eloquently narrated. This meticulous operation led to the booking of four men on murder charges: Robert Barceleau, an 18-year-old from Huntington Park; Frank Olano, a 22-year-old from Inglewood; and Leonel Gutierrez and Sergio Estrada, both 18 and hailing from L.A. County.
The August 15th arrests came as a swift follow-up to the LAPD's release of chilling stills, extracted from surveillance footage, just 11 days prior. These images captured the suspects and the stolen black Infiniti Q50 sedan they allegedly used on the fateful night Wactor lost his life.
Wactor's heartbroken brother, Grant, had earlier recounted to PEOPLE the harrowing details of that night. Johnny, who moonlighted as a bartender, was walking with a female colleague to their cars after wrapping up their shift in downtown L.A. around 3:25 a.m. When confronted by the armed thieves, Johnny instinctively shielded his colleague, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"He didn't confront them, nor did he try to stop them," Grant recounted with emotion. "All he wanted was to de-escalate the situation by stepping back, yet fate had other plans." The LAPD's actions served as a poignant reminder that justice, though delayed, is never denied.
The medical examiner's conclusion was definitive: Wactor's life had been cut short by a fatal gunshot to the chest, categorically labeled a homicide. In the aftermath of this tragic loss, a GoFundMe campaign, initiated to alleviate the financial burdens on his grieving family, has garnered an overwhelming response, surpassing $144,000 in donations by August 15th.
Wactor's cherished agent, David Shaul, who sorrowfully confirmed his passing to PEOPLE on May 25th, reminisced fondly about his client as a beacon of humanity. "He transcended mere talent, being not just a dedicated actor devoted to his craft but a veritable moral compass for all who knew him," Shaul reminisced. "He embodied the essence of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through the rollercoaster ride of his profession, he remained steadfast, always aiming for the pinnacle of his potential."
"Spending time with Johnny was a cherished gift we would gladly extend to anyone," Shaul continued, his voice tinged with emotion. "He possessed a generosity of spirit that knew no bounds, literally willing to offer you the last of his possessions. Our decade-long journey together leaves an indelible mark on our hearts, a void that will resonate forever."
Wactor, who etched his name in hearts through his iconic portrayal of Brando Corbin in General Hospital, left an indelible footprint across the entertainment landscape, gracing screens in Army Wives, NCIS, The OA, Westworld, The Passenger, Station 19, Barbee Rehab, Siberia, Agent X, Vantastic, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Girl, Training Day, Criminal Minds, and a myriad of other productions. His memory lives on, a testament to the profound impact he made on those whose lives he touched.
