Johnny Wactor murder: Mother speaks out after suspect charged in 'General Hospital' actor's murder

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The mother of Johnny Wactor, the “General Hospital” actor who was shot and killed during a catalytic converter theft in downtown Los Angeles, is speaking out after two of the four suspects arrested were charged with murder.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, were charged Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, District Attorney George Gascón said at a news conference.

Barceleau, of Huntington Park, was charged with murder, including killing during a robbery, which could result in life in prison without parole. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand larceny, both counts involving the allegation that he was armed with a firearm.

Estrada was also charged with murder, but without the special circumstances charge. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand larceny, both times allegedly while armed with a firearm. The maximum sentence for Estrada's charges is life in prison.

“They are breathing air that my son can no longer breathe,” said Scarlett Wactor. “I prayed that they were not minors so that they could be tried as adults.”

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with attempted robbery and grand larceny, both of which he was accused of being armed. The fourth suspect in the case, 22-year-old Frank Olano of Inglewood, was charged with aiding and abetting murder, receiving stolen property and three counts of illegal possession of a firearm.

Wactor was shot while stopping thieves from stealing the catalytic converter from his car on May 25. Police said the 37-year-old was leaving work at a rooftop bar in downtown Los Angeles with a co-worker when he saw three men lifting his car. One of them shot him without provocation, killing him, police said.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the defendants are linked to the Florencia 13 gang and have extensive criminal records.

“They have tattoos on their bodies that clearly show they are hardcore gang members,” said Moses Castillo, a lawyer for the family.

Wactor's friends and family expressed their joy at the indictment, but were disappointed that no increased gang charges were sought.

“I wish I didn't understand why he wouldn't do gang enhancements,” Wactor's mother said. “They are all clearly gang members of the same gang that are still being asked, and I hope for many stackable things beyond that.”

Barceleau was being held without bail and Estrada was being held on bail of just over $2 million, prosecutors said. The four suspects were arrested last Thursday.

Friends, family and supporters of the 37-year-old actor gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Monday morning and made an emotional appeal to prosecutors to demand harsher sentences for the suspects.

The group “Justice for Johnny” also called on the city to take as tough a course of action as possible against the suspects involved. Supporters called for charges to be brought in federal court.

Scarlett Wactor mentioned that her son's death could have been prevented by a secured parking space offered by her son's employer.

“I hope we can make a change so that there aren’t so many families like us anymore,” she said.

City News Service and Associated Press contributed to this report.