Los Angeles — Two 18-year-old men have been charged with the murder of Johnny Wactor, a former “General Hospital” actor.
Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada were charged on Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, District Attorney George Gasón announced at a news conference.
“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 felt by all of us,” Gascón told the crowd.
Two 18-Year-Olds Charged With Murder Of Former ‘General Hospital’ Actor Johnny Wactor
The guys and two co-defendants were arrested on Thursday and were scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon. It is unclear if anyone has hired lawyers yet. An email to the county public defender’s office requesting comment on the matter was not promptly returned.
On May 25, Wactor was shot and died while attempting to stop three criminals from taking his car’s catalytic converter. Police claimed the 37-year-old was leaving work at a downtown LA rooftop bar with a coworker when he noticed three men hoisting his car. According to police, one of them shot and murdered him without provocation.
Barceleau and Estrada have also been charged with grand theft and attempted robbery.
Barceleau’s allegations include unique circumstances such as murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, which, if convicted, could result in a life sentence without the possibility of release. Estrada’s charges carry a possible penalty of life in prison.
Leonel Gutierrez, a third man who officials believe was with them, has been charged with grand theft and attempted robbery. A fourth, Frank Olano, was prosecuted as an accessory after the fact.
Wactor’s killing has served as a rallying point for some in the community who advocate for a more aggressive approach to crime combating.
A group of family and friends known as “Justice for Johnny” attended a rally last week demanding increased urgency in the inquiry, followed by another Monday morning calling for forceful prosecution.
Two 18-Year-Olds Charged With Murder Of Former ‘General Hospital’ Actor Johnny Wactor
According to police and governmental officials, this is exactly what is happening.
At Monday’s news conference, LAPD Interim Chief Dominic Choi stated that the probe has been an “ongoing and relentless pursuit” in a “very difficult case.”
Mayor Karen Bass said, “we must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer.”
Barceleau was kept without bail, while Estrada was held on a bail of little more than $1 million.
SOURCE | AP
