Gang members face warrants in connection with murder of actor Johnny Wactor

Search warrants are being issued by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with the investigation into the killing of actor Johnny Wactor, best known for his role on “General Hospital.” According to law enforcement sources, the focus of the investigation is on members of the Florencia 13 gang who are linked to catalytic converter thefts in the region.

The suspects named in the statement of probable cause used to obtain the warrants are Robert Barceleau, Sergio Estrada, and Leonel Gutierrez. Their fingerprints were matched to those lifted from a floor jack used during the attempted theft of Wactor’s catalytic converter.

Homicide detectives from the LAPD, after reviewing videos and interviewing witnesses, have identified three men, one of whom has distinctive facial tattoos, as the perpetrators. They allegedly attempted to steal Wactor’s catalytic converter on Hope Street near Pico Boulevard before shooting and killing him on May 25.

Wactor and his co-worker Anita Joy had just finished a shift at a nearby bar when they encountered the thieves. Joy recounted how Wactor initially thought his car was being towed and asked the men to leave, showing that he was not a threat. Despite this, he was shot at close range, leading to his tragic death.

After the shooting, the suspects fled in a stolen getaway car described as a 2018 black four-door Infiniti Q50 with a tan interior. Catalytic converters are often targeted by thieves due to the precious metals they contain, which can be sold for a significant profit.

The rise in catalytic converter thefts in California, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted new state laws to combat the issue. It is now illegal for recyclers to purchase the parts from anyone other than the vehicle’s legal owner or a licensed dealer, with increased penalties for those who do not comply.

The investigation into the killing of Johnny Wactor is ongoing, with law enforcement officials working diligently to apprehend the suspects responsible for this senseless tragedy. The entertainment industry has lost a talented actor, and his family, friends, and fans are seeking justice for his untimely death.