Two teenagers charged with murder of actor Johnny Wactor

Two teenagers were charged with murder on Monday in connection with the shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor in May. Photo courtesy of General Hospital/X

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Monday that Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, have each been charged with murder in connection with Wactor's killing.

Prosecutors said Barcelau's charges were based on the special circumstance that he committed murder during an attempted robbery with the use of a firearm. In connection with the actor's murder, he is also charged with attempted robbery and grand larceny, both with a firearm.

Estrada is also charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, both of which were also committed with a firearm.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was also charged on Monday with attempted robbery and grand theft, both with a firearm; Frank Olano, 22, was charged with aiding and abetting murder and receiving stolen goods, as well as three counts of illegal possession of a firearm.

The charges were filed days after police announced the arrest of the four suspects on Thursday.

“We are determined to seek justice for Mr. Wactor and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” Gascón said in a statement on Monday.

Authorities said Wactor was shot early on the morning of May 25.

That morning, the actor had left his job as a bartender at the Moxy Hotel in downtown Los Angeles at around 3:25 a.m. When he went to his vehicle, he saw that three suspects had lifted his car with a jack and were attempting to remove the catalytic converter.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office has accused Barceleau of shooting Wactor in the chest. Wactor was subsequently taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“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. Mr. Wactor's work and presence touched the lives of many, and our condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire community as they mourn this devastating loss.”

While Barceleau is being held without bail, Estrada's bail is set at $2.07 million. Olano's bail was set at $1.08 million and Gutierrez's at $120,000.

If convicted, Barceleau faces a sentence of life without parole, Estrada faces a sentence of life in prison, Olano faces a sentence of less than six years in prison, and Gutierrez faces a sentence of less than five years in prison.