Prosecutors announced Monday that two teenage suspects have been charged with murder in the death of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor, who authorities said was shot to death in May after thwarting a catalytic converter theft.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement that Robert Barcelo and Sergio Estrada, both 18, have been charged with one count of murder each.
Barcelo’s murder charges include the special circumstance of attempted robbery and murder during the personal use of a firearm. He also faces charges of attempted robbery and theft, both of which involved possession of a firearm, prosecutors said.
If convicted, Barcelo could face life in prison without parole, according to the district attorney’s office.
Estrada also faces attempted robbery and theft charges, both of which he allegedly committed while possessing a firearm, and could face up to life in prison if convicted.
In addition to Barcelo and Estrada, 18-year-old Leonel Gutierrez and 22-year-old Frank Olano were also arrested last week.
Prosecutors said Gutierrez was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft and was allegedly in possession of a firearm during both crimes, while Olano was charged with aiding and abetting murder, receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Gutierrez faces four years and eight months in prison and Olano faces five years and eight months, prosecutors said.
As of late Monday, it was not clear whether any of the four suspects had lawyers who could comment on their behalf.
“Johnny Wactor’s life was senselessly taken as he was walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles,” Gascón said in a statement. “We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wachter and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
Gascon said Wachter was “a talented young actor at the peak of his life who had a lot to offer the world.”
The suspects were scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, prosecutors said. Prior to the arraignment, Barceló was being held without bail, Estrada was being held on $2.07 million bail, Olano on $1.08 million bail and Gutierrez on $120,000 bail, the district attorney’s office said.
Police said Wachter, 37, was shot and killed after finishing his shift as a bartender in downtown Los Angeles where he spotted three men using a floor jack to lift a car and steal a catalytic converter.
A friend and co-worker who were with him during the fatal crash said when they first approached the car it appeared to be being towed.
“We were not a threat and Johnny, as always, kept his cool and just told us to leave as it was his car. I support peace with open arms,” his friend Anita Joy wrote on Instagram a few days after the killing.
Wachter, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, played Brando Corbin in episode 163 of “General Hospital.”
