Johnny Wactor Murder Update: Suspects Charged in ‘General Hospital’ Star’s Death
The Doctor Is In
For exclusive news and updates, subscribe to our General Hospital Newsletter:
UPDATE (8/19/2024):
Two suspects have officially been charged for the murder of General Hospital star Johnny Wactor after four individuals were apprehended for the alleged crime.
According to Deadline, 18-year-olds, Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada have been charged with murder. Barceleau’s charge also includes an allegation of killing in the commission of a robbery, which carries the potential to have him sentenced to life in prison without parole. Additionally, both Barceleau and Estrada have also been charged with attempted robbery and grand theft while armed with a firearm.
Regarding the other suspects, 18-year-old Leonel Gutierrez was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement while armed. And the fourth suspect, 22-year-old Frank Olano has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to killing, along with receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This is the latest development in the murder of Wactor who was shot and killed on May 25th in downtown Los Angeles.
ORIGINAL STORY (8/15/2024):
Suspects with an alleged connection to General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor’s death have been detained in Los Angeles on August 15.
The actor who played Brando Corbin beginning in 2020 until his character exited the soap in 2022 was killed in May 2024 in a suspected robbery, during which he was fatally shot. In this latest report from Deadline, law enforcement officers revealed news of the detained suspects just days after an image claiming to showcase three potential culprits was released to the public.
Wactor was killed in the early morning of May 25 in downtown Los Angeles while walking to his car with a coworker after his bartending shift had ended. The performer was confronted by three robbers who tried stealing car parts.
©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
Police revealed that the suspects fled the scene in a stolen 2018 black Infiniti Q50. The investigation has reportedly been focused on Florencia 13 gang members who are tied to catalytic converter thefts in the area.
As mentioned above, the investigation uncovered photos of the suspects and the getaway vehicle, which were shared with the public, giving them a chance to share any details with authorities.
At the time of Wactor’s death, his talent agent David Shaul shared the following statement with Variety: “Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be.”
No names or further details about the suspects who were detained have been released at this time.
Along with Wactor’s role as Brando Corbin in over 100 episodes of General Hospital, the actor was also known for his roles in shows like Siberia (above), Army Wives, Westworld, The OA, NCIS, Station 19, and Criminal Minds.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services