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Two teenagers charged with murder of actor Johnny Wactor

Four people were arrested in connection with the death of General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Monday, August 19.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, were charged with murder in the investigation into Wactor's death. Leonel Gutierrez, also 18, and Frank Olano, 22, were also charged with lesser offenses. The LAPD's Central Bureau Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.

Barceleau, Estrada and Gutierrez were charged with attempted robbery with private use of a weapon and grand larceny, with the perpetrator allegedly being armed with a firearm.

Barceleau was also charged with murder under special circumstances during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm. He faces life in prison without parole.

Estrada was charged with murder because he was allegedly armed with a firearm and faces a life sentence in prison.

Olano was charged with aiding and abetting murder, receiving stolen goods and three counts of illegal possession of a firearm. Olano faces five years and eight months in prison. Gutierrez faces four years and eight months in prison.

Barceleau is being held without bail. Estrada is being held on $2,070,000 bail. Olano is being held on $1,080,000 bail. Gutierrez is being held on $120,000 bail. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on August 19 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Johnny Wactor on October 13, 2022 in Glendale, California.

Jesse Grant/Getty


The charges follow the arrest of the two men on Thursday, August 15, and two weeks after the LAPD released still images from video footage allegedly showing the suspects and the stolen black Infiniti Q50 sedan that police say the suspects were driving on the day of Wactor's death.

Wactor, 37, was killed by gunfire in the early hours of May 25. He had just finished his shift as a bartender at a downtown Los Angeles bar and was walking to his car when he encountered three armed car thieves attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle.

“We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” Gascón said in a press release. “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 saddening to all of us. Mr. Wactor's work and presence touched the lives of many, and our condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire community as they mourn this devastating loss.”

“While this was not an easy case for everyone involved, I am confident we have the right people for the right charges,” LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said Monday. “Our investigators have worked tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses and follow every lead to ensure justice is served.”

Johnny Wactor in “General Hospital” on ABC.

Scott Kirkland/ABC/Getty


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Since his death, a GoFundMe page set up to help Wactor's family with expenses has raised more than $144,540 in donations as of August 19.