Two men convicted of lesser crimes connected to the killing of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor were sentenced to state prison on Wednesday. Neither of the men was charged with killing Wactor, who tragically lost his life when he interrupted three thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in downtown Los Angeles on May 25.
19-year-old Leonel Gutierrez received a four-year sentence in California state prison after pleading no contest to grand theft and attempted robbery. On the other hand, 22-year-old Frank Olano, who was not present at the scene of the killing, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison after pleading no contest to being an accessory after the fact and receiving stolen property.
Meanwhile, two co-defendants, 18-year-olds Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, are facing charges of murder in the death of Wactor. Following a recent ruling by a judge, there was deemed to be sufficient evidence for them to proceed to trial. Both individuals have entered not guilty pleas.
According to police and prosecutors, the 37-year-old Wactor had just finished work at a downtown LA rooftop bar with a coworker when he encountered three individuals attempting to steal his car. Tragically, one of the thieves fired at Wactor, resulting in his untimely death.
Following an extensive investigation that involved public assistance and appeals for a thorough probe and prosecution from Wactor's loved ones, the four suspects were apprehended in August.
