Murder of actor Johnny Wactors leads to charges against four defendants | State

LOS ANGELES, California – Four people have been charged with multiple crimes in connection with the shooting of actor Johnny Wactor in May, which allegedly led to the theft of a catalytic converter.

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges, saying: “Johnny Wactor's life was senselessly taken as he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles. We are determined to seek justice for Mr. Wactor and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences to the Wactor family and the community and thanked the LAPD for its investigative efforts. “We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer. Those who commit crimes must be held fully accountable for their actions,” she said.

The case is being investigated by the LAPD's Central Bureau Homicide Unit. LAPD Chief Dominic Choi commented: “While this has not been an easy case for everyone involved, I am confident we have the right people for the right charges.”

Robert Barceleau, 17, of Los Angeles, was charged with murder under special circumstances during attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm and grand larceny with an allegation that the perpetrator was armed with a firearm.

Sergio Estrada, 17, of Los Angeles, was charged with murder, where the perpetrator was allegedly armed with a firearm; attempted robbery, where the perpetrator was allegedly armed with a firearm; and grand larceny, where the perpetrator was allegedly armed with a firearm.

Leonel Gutierrez, 17, of Los Angeles, was charged with attempted robbery, where the perpetrator was allegedly armed with a firearm, and grand larceny, where the perpetrator was allegedly armed with a firearm.

Frank Olano, 21, of Los Angeles, was charged with aiding and abetting murder, receiving stolen goods and three counts of illegal possession of a firearm.

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned today in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

At approximately 3:25 a.m. on May 25, 37-year-old Johnny Wactor was leaving his bartending job at the Moxy Hotel in downtown Los Angeles when he encountered three men suspected of trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car parked on Hope Street near Pico Boulevard.