By LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Monday that two men have been charged with murder in connection with the May shooting death of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor.
Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, face murder charges along with additional felony counts. Two other men have been charged with related crimes in the case.
Barceleau’s charges include a special circumstance allegation of murder during an attempted robbery, which could result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted. He is also charged with one count each of attempted robbery and grand theft, both while armed with a firearm.
Estrada faces charges of murder, attempted robbery, and grand theft, all while armed with a firearm. His murder charge does not include the special circumstance allegation.
Additionally, Leonel Gutierrez, 19, has been charged with attempted robbery and grand theft while armed with a firearm. Frank Olano, 22, faces charges of accessory after the fact to murder, receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to prosecutors, Wactor was shot in the chest by Barceleau in May after the actor confronted a group attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car. The incident occurred as Wactor was leaving his job as a bartender in downtown Los Angeles.
The charges follow the execution of multiple arrest and search warrants by law enforcement on Thursday, as reported by TMZ.
Wactor, known for his role on the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” died at the scene of the shooting. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of catalytic converter thefts in the Los Angeles area.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not yet announced arraignment dates for the suspects. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
As the legal process unfolds, Wactor’s family and colleagues await further developments. A coworker of the late actor, who was present on the night of the incident, has stated that the family seeks convictions in the case for closure.
The charges represent a significant development in a case that has highlighted concerns about violent crime and property theft in Los Angeles.
