Murder Charges Filed in the Killing of Actor Johnny Wactor

Two 18-year-olds, Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, have been charged with the murder of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor. The charges include grand theft and attempted robbery. The case has sparked a public call for stricter crime prevention measures in Los Angeles.

Two 18-year-old men have been formally charged with the murder of Johnny Wactor, a former actor on “General Hospital,” according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records. The accused, Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, were charged on Monday, District Attorney George Gascon announced during a press conference. “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 said.

The men and their two co-defendants were arrested last Thursday and were scheduled for arraignment on Monday afternoon. As of yet, it remains unclear whether they have retained legal representation. An email inquiry to the county public defender's office went unanswered. Wactor was fatally shot on May 25 after he intervened in a theft where thieves were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car. Authorities stated that one of the assailants shot Wactor without provocation.

In addition to murder, Barceleau and Estrada face charges of grand theft and attempted robbery. Barceleau’s accusations come with special circumstances like murder during an attempted robbery, which could lead to a life sentence without parole. Estrada also faces a potential life sentence for his charges. The tragic event has motivated some community members to advocate for tougher crime-fighting measures. A group called “Justice for Johnny” held rallies demanding more rigorous efforts in the investigation and prosecution. LAPD Interim Chief Dominic Choi affirmed that the investigation has been persistent, despite its complexities. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement emphasizing the need for continuous aggressive action to ensure public safety. Barceleau remains held without bail, while Estrada's bail is set just over USD 1 million.