The Los Angeles Police Department has wrangled up four individuals in connection with the tragic and baffling murder of Johnny Wactor, the 37-year-old soap opera star you might remember from his role as Brando Corbin on ABC’s General Hospital.
In a twist straight out of a daytime drama, Johnny was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles on May 25. The perpetrators, three crafty crooks trying to nab a catalytic converter from his car, decided to turn their grand heist into a full-blown crime scene when they decided shooting Johnny was part of their plan. And just like that, they made their grand escape, leaving Johnny behind in a tragic mess.
Fast forward nearly three months, and the LAPD finally cracked the case wide open. They announced on August 15 that four people have been arrested. That’s right, four! It’s almost like a soap opera twist, but in real life.
The LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide team turned into a real-life detective squad, issuing search warrants that led them all around Los Angeles. And guess what? Their hard work paid off! They not only caught the culprits but also recovered evidence faster than you can say “Who’s the Daddy?”
Meet the suspects: Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, Sergio Estrada, and Frank Olano. And, surprise, surprise, it turns out these guys are not exactly the local boy scouts. They’re suspected members of a gang known for its impressive (and not in a good way) list of catalytic converter thefts.
As for Johnny, he was working a side gig as a bartender the night he was killed and was being the ultimate hero by escorting a female coworker to her car after their late shift. Johnny’s final act of bravery? Shielding his coworker from harm. Talk about a dramatic exit fit for the soap opera world.
Four arrests, a gang of catalytic converter crooks, and one hero who went out like a true star. Tune in next time for more twists and turns—who needs TV when real life is this wild?
LAPD News: Update on a Central Division Homicide pic.twitter.com/aGCJa5exbD
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) August 15, 2024