Los Angeles has been shaken by the recent arrests connected to the tragic killing of Johnny Wactor, known for his role as Brando Corbin on "General Hospital." Following months of investigation, four individuals have been taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department, according to a news release quoted by ABC Action News. The suspects have been identified as 18-year-old Robert Barceleau, 18-year-old Leonel Gutierrez, 18-year-old Sergio Estrada, and 22-year-old Frank Olano, with the former three booked on suspicion of murder and Olano as an alleged accessory to the crime.
The incident occurred on May 25 when Wactor reportedly confronted individuals attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car, at which point he was fatally shot. The loss has resonated with many, from Wactor's mother, who expressed the agony of losing her son, to his co-worker Anita Joy, who recounted the harrowing moments of the attack in an emotional Instagram post stating, "As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed for him, I shouted ‘Hunny you ok?!’ And he only responded ‘Nope! Shot!’" as reported by the NBC News.
Each suspect is currently held in lieu of a $2 million bond. The Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass delivered a statement commending the LAPD for its efforts and called for thorough justice, which was shared by CBS News Los Angeles: "I want to thank LAPD for their partnership and hard work on this case and for their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe, and to bring justice to victims of violence. Now, we must ensure that those who are responsible for this brazen and heinous act are held fully accountable."
Wactor, who was 37 at the time of his death, had been a beloved figure on the soap opera from 2020 to 2022 and was also recognized for his performances in other TV series such as "Station 19," "NCIS," and "Westworld." His agent, David Shaul reflected on his life shortly after his passing, describing him as someone who "always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be." as per statements made to ABC Action News.
