Los Angeles — Two 18-year-olds have been formally charged with the murder of actor Jonny Wactor, who was fatally shot during an alleged robbery attempt in May, authorities announced. Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both residents of Los Angeles, faced murder charges during their court appearance at the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Alongside them, another 18-year-old, Leonel Gutierrez, was charged with grand theft and attempted robbery, while 22-year-old Frank Olano faces charges for his role as an accessory after the fact. All four were apprehended last Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Wactor, 37, gained prominence for his portrayal of Brando Corbin on the popular soap opera “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022. His career also spanned across a variety of roles in television series such as “Station 19,” “NCIS,” and “Westworld,” and extended to voice acting in the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”
The incident leading to Wactor’s death occurred shortly after he left a downtown Los Angeles rooftop bar on May 25. Wactor reportedly interrupted three individuals attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car, leading to one of the suspects shooting him.
The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, and despite being rushed to the hospital, Wactor succumbed to his injuries. It was a tragic turn of events that prompted intense police investigations, culminating in the release of surveillance images to aid in suspect identification.
District Attorney George Gascon reflected on the profound loss, emphasizing the impact of Wactor’s untimely demise. “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,” Gascon expressed during a press conference.
Additional charges against Barceleau and Estrada include grand theft and attempted robbery. Notably, Barceleau’s charges carry special circumstances allegations, including murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, which could lead to a sentence of life without parole if convicted. Estrada potentially faces a life sentence as well. Currently, Barceleau is being held without bail, while Estrada’s bail is set at just over $1 million.
The case has sparked considerable attention and debate within the community concerning the broader issues of crime and safety in Los Angeles. Wactor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, voiced her enduring pain at a news conference. “Grief is my constant companion,” she said, articulating the personal loss felt by her family. She mourned the future moments stolen by the tragedy: birthdays, holidays, and everyday interactions that the family will no longer share with Wactor.
Wactor’s death has galvanized the local community, leading to rallies and public outcry demanding swift justice and more stringent measures to curb urban crime. These events underline the mounting pressure on city officials and law enforcement to address crime more aggressively.
Police Chief Dominic Choi and Mayor Karen Bass expressed their commitment to rigorous law enforcement and enhancing public safety in response to rising concerns over crime rates in the city. According to Choi, the pursuit of justice in this case has been “ongoing and relentless.”