The LAPD has arrested four individuals connected to the murder of Johnny Wactor, a General Hospital star, during a catalytic converter theft incident in Los Angeles. The suspects face serious charges as the investigation continues.
LOS ANGELES, CA (2-minute read) — The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced late Thursday that significant progress has been made in the investigation into the murder of “General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor. After executing multiple search warrants across Los Angeles, the LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide unit apprehended four individuals in connection with the case, bringing a sense of justice to a community shaken by the tragic event.
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The suspects, identified as Robert Barcelau, Leonel Guiterrez, and Sergio Estrada, all 18 years old, have been booked on charges of murder. A fourth individual, Frank Olano, aged 22, was arrested as an accessory to the crime. This breakthrough in the investigation follows the May 25th incident, where Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while leaving his bartending job.
Wactor’s death occurred under particularly disturbing circumstances. According to the LAPD, Wactor noticed suspicious activity around his vehicle, which had been elevated with a floor jack. The perpetrators were attempting to steal the catalytic converter, a crime that has seen a worrying rise in major cities due to the valuable metals contained within these parts. When Wactor confronted the individuals, one of them opened fire, striking the 37-year-old actor. Despite efforts by the responding officers and emergency medical personnel, Wactor succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
This violent crime has left the Los Angeles community, particularly those close to Wactor, in a state of mourning. His mother, Scarlett Wactor, expressed a mix of relief and anticipation upon hearing about the arrests. “It’s good news, I’m excited,” she told Fox News Digital, while also emphasizing her desire for the suspects to face significant prison time.
The rising trend of catalytic converter thefts has alarmed both law enforcement and the public. These thefts are often carried out by organized groups who target vehicles in vulnerable locations. The converters are then sold on the black market for a fraction of their value, leaving victims with costly repairs and, as in this case, tragic consequences.
Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots or other secluded areas. If you notice suspicious activity around your vehicle, do not approach the individuals. Instead, contact law enforcement immediately.
