Los Angeles, 16 August 2024 – Four individuals have been apprehended in Los Angeles in connection with the fatal shooting of American actor Johnny Wactor. The 37-year-old, known for his role in the popular soap opera General Hospital, was killed on 25 May 2024 during an attempted theft of a catalytic converter from his car.
The suspects—Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada—have been charged with murder. A fourth individual, Frank Olano, faces charges of accessory to murder, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Wactor had just finished a bartending shift in downtown Los Angeles when he encountered the suspects attempting to steal the part from his vehicle. Authorities report that the group had hoisted the car with a floor jack and were in the process of removing the catalytic converter when one of them shot Wactor without provocation, leaving him fatally wounded.
In a statement to the LA Times, Wactor’s brother, Grant, described him as “one of the most charismatic people I knew.” Producers of General Hospital also paid tribute, remembering Wactor as “truly one of a kind and a pleasure to work with each and every day.”
Aside from his two-year tenure on General Hospital as Brando Corbin, Wactor’s acting credits include the NBC series Siberia and appearances on HBO’s Westworld.
Catalytic converter thefts have become increasingly common in Los Angeles, with thousands reported annually. The valuable car part, which is crucial for reducing harmful emissions, is a prime target for thieves due to the precious metals it contains. Thefts surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as the demand for these metals increased, making hybrid vehicles, which preserve catalytic converters longer than gasoline-only cars, especially vulnerable.
