Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Monday, Aug. 19, that four individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. The arrests have led to serious charges against the suspects, with two of them facing murder charges.
The suspects, Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18 years old, were charged with murder amid the ongoing investigation into Wactor’s death. Two other individuals, Leonel Gutierrez, also 18, and Frank Olano, 22, were charged with lesser offenses. The LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide Division is handling the case.
Barceleau, Estrada, and Gutierrez face multiple charges, including one count of attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm and one count of grand theft with an allegation of a principal armed with a firearm. Barceleau’s charges are particularly severe, including murder with special circumstances of murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm. He could potentially face a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Estrada has been charged with one count of murder with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm, carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. Meanwhile, Olano has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder, one count of receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Olano could face up to five years and eight months in prison. Gutierrez, the youngest of the group, faces four years and eight months in prison.
The suspects are currently being held under varying conditions. Barceleau is being held without bail, while Estrada’s bail is set at $2,070,000, Olano’s at $1,080,000, and Gutierrez’s at $120,000. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 19 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
These arrests follow the LAPD’s release of still images from video footage that allegedly shows the suspects and the stolen black Infiniti Q50 sedan used on the day of Wactor’s death. The 37-year-old actor was fatally shot in the early hours of May 25 as he ended his shift as a bartender in downtown Los Angeles. He was confronted by three armed car thieves attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle.
“We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” District Attorney Gascón stated in a press release. He added, “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.”
LAPD Chief Dominic Choi also commented on the case, saying, “While this was not an easy case for anyone involved, I am confident that we have the right people on the right charges. Our investigators worked tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and follow every lead to ensure that justice is served.”
In the wake of Wactor’s untimely death, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support his family with expenses. As of Aug. 19, the page has raised over $144,540, highlighting the widespread impact Wactor had on his community and the entertainment industry.
