What to Know
- Two 18-year-old men were charged with murder in the May shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor.
- Wactor, 37, was shot and killed when he encountered four men stealing his car's catalytic converter in downtown Los Angeles.
- Four suspects in the killing were arrested last week.
Two 18-year-old men were charged with murder Monday in the shooting death of 37-year-old actor Johnny Wactor, who was killed in May when he encountered a group of catalytic converter thieves in downtown Los Angeles.
Four people were arrested last week in connection with the killing. Arraignment was scheduled for Monday afternoon.
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The most serious charges were filed against Robert Barceleau, 18, of Huntington Park, who was charged with murder, including a special circumstance allegation of killing in the commission of a robbery. The special circustance allegation could lead to a penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Barceleau also was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, both with allegations he was armed with a firearm.
Sergio Estrada, 18, was also charged with murder, but without the special circumstance allegation. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, both also allegedly while armed with a firearm.
Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, both with allegations he was armed. The fourth suspect in the case, Frank Olano, 22, of Inglewood, was charged with being an accessory after the fact to the killing, along with receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges were announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón at a Monday afternoon news conference. LAPD Chief Dominic Choi was at the news conference.
"He was senselessly shot and killed," Choi said. "What has occurred during that day is a relentless and ongoing pursuit by the Los Angeles Police Department."
Wactor's friends and family spoke outside the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building to demand stiff penalties against the suspects, who are accused of killing Wactor as they attempted to steal a catalytic converter from the "General Hospital" actor's car.
Comments from Wactor's mother were read at the gathering. Family members are awaiting the "strongest" charges and all available sentencing enhancements, Scarlett Wactor said in a statement.
"This is far from over,'' Scarlett Wactor said in the statement. "We are asking for all to continue to pray for the harshest penalties."
The rally and news conference come four days after early-morning raids by Los Angeles police that resulted in four arrests in connection with the killing.
Jail records show Barceleau, Gutierrez and Olano all being held in lieu of $2 million bail. There was no record of Estrada in the jail system.
"Johnny Wactor’s life was senselessly taken while he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles," Gascón said Monday. "We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. 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. Mr. Wactor’s work and presence touched the lives of many, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire community who mourn this devastating loss."
The catalytic converter thieves had Wactor's car hoisted on a floor jack when he encountered them May 25 as he returned to the car with a friend after a bartending shift at the nearby Level 8 bar/restaurant. Investigators have said one of the men opened fire on Wactor without provocation.
Catalytic converters are popular targets for thieves because they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.
"Grief is my constant companion," Scarlett Wactor said last week outside LA City Hall, where supporters asked anyone with information in the case to come forward. "He promised me he'd be here with me today. I can't wish him happy birthday on August 31st. He would have been 38. I can't ask if he's coming home for Christmas. I can't ask how his day went, if he's gonna climb. I don't get any of those things anymore because of what these people did."
Following news of the arrests Thursday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement.
"I want to thank LAPD for their partnership and hard work on this case and for their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe and to bring justice to victims of violence," Bass said. "Now, we must ensure that those who are responsible for this brazen and heinous act are held fully accountable."
The LAPD released security camera photos of the men believed to have killed Wactor and images of an allegedly stolen getaway car.
Wactor appeared on nearly 200 episodes of "General Hospital" from 2020-22. His other credits included "Westworld," "The OA," "NCIS," "Station 19," "Criminal Minds" and "Hollywood Girl."
