Two 18-year-olds charged with murder of former ‘General Hospital’ actor Johnny Wactor

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two 18-year-old males have been charged with homicide within the killing of former “Normal Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor.

Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada had been every charged Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court docket, District Lawyer George Gasón mentioned at a information convention.

“The lack of this gifted younger actor, who was within the prime of his life and had a lot to supply the world, is deeply felt by all of us,” Gascón mentioned.

The boys and two co-defendants, all of whom had been arrested Thursday, had been set to be arraigned on Monday afternoon. It isn’t clear whether or not any have but retained legal professionals. An electronic mail to the county public defender’s workplace looking for touch upon the case was not instantly answered.

Wactor was shot and killed when he interrupted three thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his automotive on Could 25. Police mentioned the 37-year-old had left work at a downtown LA rooftop bar with a coworker when he noticed three males who had hoisted his automotive. Police mentioned one in every of them fired at him with out provocation and killed him.

Barceleau and Estrada had been additionally each charged with grand theft and tried theft.

Barceleau’s fees embrace particular circumstances, together with homicide throughout an tried theft and private use of a firearm, that after a conviction may result in a life sentence with out chance of parole. Estrada’s fees have a most sentence of life in jail.

A 3rd man who authorities allege had been with them, Leonel Gutierrez, was charged with grand theft and tried theft. A fourth, Frank Olano, was charged with being an adjunct after the very fact.

Wactor’s demise has change into a rallying level for some within the metropolis pushing for a extra hardline strategy to combating crime.

A gaggle consisting of household and pals calling itself “Justice for Johnny” held a rally final week calling for extra urgency within the investigation, and one other Monday morning calling for aggressive prosecution.

Police and public officers mentioned that’s precisely what is going on.

LAPD Interim Chief Dominic Choi mentioned at Monday’s information convention that the investigation has been an “ongoing and relentless pursuit” in a “very tough case.”

Mayor Karen Bass mentioned in a press release that “We should proceed to take aggressive motion to make our metropolis safer.”

Barceleau was being held with out bail, and Estrada on simply over $1 million bail.