Johnny Wactor murder: Men charged with murder of 'General Hospital' actor, suspected of burglary in Southern California

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The suspects charged with the murder of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor are also suspected of being involved in a series of burglaries in Southern California.

The new details came to light Tuesday at a meeting of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners as authorities discussed a search warrant that led to the arrests earlier this month.

During that search, the Central Bureau's Organized Retail Task Force and Homicide Unit found evidence related to a series of thefts at pharmacies and clothing stores, said LAPD Acting Chief Dominic Choi.

This evidence is linked to several thefts in the cities of Lennox, Beverly Hills, Rialto and Ontario, but Choi did not provide any further information.

Two of the four suspects arrested in connection with Wactor's killing in downtown Los Angeles earlier this year have been charged with murder.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, were charged Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, District Attorney George Gascón said

Barceleau, of Huntington Park, was charged with murder, including murder during an attempted robbery, which under special circumstances could result in a sentence of life in prison without parole. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand larceny, both counts involving the allegation that he was armed with a firearm.

Estrada was also charged with murder, but without any special circumstances. He was also charged with attempted robbery, grand theft and possession of a firearm.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, in both cases for possession of a firearm.

The fourth suspect in the case, 22-year-old Frank Olano of Inglewood, was charged with aiding and abetting murder, receiving stolen goods and three counts of illegal possession of a firearm.

Wactor was shot and killed on May 25 as he stopped three thieves from stealing the catalytic converter from his car. Police said the 37-year-old was leaving work at a rooftop bar in downtown Los Angeles with a co-worker when he saw three men lifting his car. Police said one of them shot and killed him without provocation.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the defendants are linked to the Florencia 13 gang and have extensive criminal records.

According to prosecutors, Barceleau was being held without bail, and Estrada's bail was set at just over $2 million.

City News Service contributed to this report.