On Saturday, May 25, Johnny Wactor was rushed to a local Los Angeles hospital where he was pronounced dead. The famed actor, known for his long-running role as Brando Corbin on General Hospital, was an exceptional talent.
It goes without saying that his death has left another hole not only in the series’ legacy, but also in Hollywood as a whole. At 37 years old, Wactor still had a lot more to achieve with his career. It’s unfortunate that his life has come to an abrupt end. Wactor is survived by his mother Scarlett, as well as his brothers Lance and Grant. 10 weeks later, four suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
How did Johnny Wactor die?
Wactor’s death tragically came as a result of a robbery gone wrong. According to the LAPD, the shooting took place around 3 a.m. PT. Three men attempted to steal the catalytic converter of Wactor’s car. The incident took place at the corner of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street in Downtown L.A. Walker was the only victim.
His mother, Scarlett, spoke with TMZ about how the ordeal unfolded. Wactor had no intention of stopping the men, and yet, one of them shot him, and the three robbers fled the scene. Sadly, although the paramedics arrived shortly after 3 am, Wactor was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.
His brother Grant has shared with the Daily Mail that Wactor was walking a female friend to her car when he noticed the robbers and thought his car was being towed. But the situation quickly became clear to him and he tried to shield his coworker while backing away, but the robbers still shot him and escaped in separate vehicles.
“We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.”
David Shaul, Wactor’s talent agent, further confirmed the news of his death to Variety and had nothing but wonderful words for his departed friend. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone,” he said. “He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.”
Suspects arrested over Wactor’s death
Months later, on Aug. 15, four men were arrested in connection with Wactor’s murder. Per ABC7, the following men were taken into custody:
- Robert Barceleau, 18
- Leonel Gutierrez, 18
- Sergio Estrada, 18
- Frank Olano, 22
While the first three men (Barceleau, Gutierrez, and Estrada) were arrested on suspicions of murder, Olano was taken in as an accessory. There have been suspicions that the case had hit a dead end, but this is a step in the right direction, and one step closer to the beloved actor receiving justice. Fans continue to grieve Wactor’s death, and his mother, Scarlett, has pressed on about how the criminal justice system needs to improve.
