Two men have been charged with murder in the killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor, the Los Angeles district attorney’s office announced on Monday.
Wactor was shot and killed when he interrupted three thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car on 25 May. Police said the 37-year-old had left work at a downtown LA rooftop bar with a coworker when he saw three men who had hoisted his car. Police said one of them fired at him without provocation and killed him.
“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,” George Gascón, Los Angeles district attorney, said at a news conference.
The four suspects – Robert Barceleau, 18; Sergio Estrada, 18; Leonel Gutierrez, 18; and Frank Olano, 22, were all arrested Thursday. Gascón announced their charges today.
It is not clear whether any have yet retained lawyers. An email to the county public defender’s office seeking comment on the case was not immediately answered.
Barceleau and Estrada were both charged with murder as well as grand theft and attempted robbery.
Barceleau’s charges include special circumstances, including murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, that after a conviction could lead to a life sentence without possibility of parole. Estrada’s charges have a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Gutierrez was charged with grand theft and attempted robbery, and Olano was charged with being an accessory after the fact.
Wactor’s death has become a rallying point for some in the city pushing for a more hardline approach to fighting crime.
A group consisting of family and friends calling itself “Justice for Johnny” held a rally last week calling for more urgency in the investigation, and another Monday morning calling for aggressive prosecution.
Police and public officials said that is exactly what is happening.
LAPD interim chief Dominic Choi said at Monday’s news conference that the investigation has been an “ongoing and relentless pursuit” in a “very difficult case”.
“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 Karen Bass said in a statement. “We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer. Those who commit crimes must be held fully responsible for their actions.”
Barceleau was being held without bail, and Estrada on just over $1m bail.
Associated Press contributed to this report
