Johnny Wactor: Two teenagers charged with murder for shooting former General Hospital star | Ents & Arts News

Two teenagers have been charged with murder in connection with the shooting of US actor Jonny Wactor.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, were charged Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, District Attorney George Gascon said at a news conference.

Another 18-year-old, Leonel Gutierrez, who authorities said was with them, was charged with grand larceny and attempted robbery.

A fourth, 22-year-old Frank Olano, was charged with accessory after the fact.

All four men were arrested on Thursday.

The 37-year-old Wactor was best known for his role as Brando Corbin in the long-running US soap opera General Hospital between 2020 and 2022.

He was shot when he interrupted three thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car on May 25.

According to police, Wactor was leaving a rooftop bar in downtown Los Angeles when he saw three men lift up his car.

Officials said one of them shot and killed him without provocation.

The men fled in a car and Wactor was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Officials asked the public for help in identifying the suspects on August 5. Publication of surveillance images of them and her getaway car.

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of this talented young actor who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world,” Gascon said.

Wactor has also appeared in numerous films and television series, including “Station 19,” “NCIS,” and “Westworld,” as well as the video game “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”

At a press conference earlier this week, his mother described the feeling of losing him.

“Grief is my constant companion,” said Scarlett Wactor.

“I can't wish him a happy birthday on August 31st – he would have turned 38. I can't ask him if he's coming home for Christmas. I can't ask him how his day was.”

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Further charges against young people

Barceleau and Estrada were also both charged with grand larceny and attempted robbery.

Barceleau faces special circumstances including murder during attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, which, if convicted, could result in a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The charges against Estrada carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Barceleau is being held without bail, while Estrada's bail has been set at just over $1 million (£769,865).

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“A very difficult case”

Wactor's death has become a rallying point for some in the city, calling for a tougher fight against crime.

A group of family and friends calling themselves Justice for Johnny held a rally last week calling for a speedier investigation, and another rally Monday morning called for more aggressive prosecution.

Police and government officials said this was already happening.

Los Angeles Police Department interim chief Dominic Choi said at a press conference on Monday that the investigation was an “ongoing and relentless pursuit” of a “very difficult case.”

Mayor Karen Bass added in a statement that “we must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer.”