The Los Angeles Police Department reportedly executed multiple search warrants Thursday in connection with the murder of “General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor.
According to ABC News, multiple law enforcement sources said a suspect is the focus of the investigation into the soap opera star's death. Law enforcement sources suggested that several suspects could be in custody in connection with the investigation. ABC News.
Wachter was reportedly shot “for no apparent reason” at 3:25 a.m. as he was walking to his car after finishing his shift at a bar. According to ABC News, three men attacked and shot Wachter after “putting his car on a floor jack and attempting to steal the catalytic converter.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 12: Actor Johnny Wactor attends the Get Lucky for Lupus 5th Anniversary Poker Tournament at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California on September 12, 2013. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/WireImage) Getty Images
Wachter's mother, Scarlett Wachter, called on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and District Attorney George Gascón to strengthen the criminal justice system at a press conference on Tuesday.
“It needs to start in Los Angeles. People from all over the country are looking at you and change needs to start here,” Scarlett Wachter said.
She appealed emotionally for justice.
“Again, grief is always with me,” she said, according to ABC News.
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MARCH 16: Actor Johnny Wactor attends the Queen of the Universe International Beauty Pageant at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California on March 16, 2014. (Photo by Jennifer Lawley/FilmMagic) Getty Images
Police have released photos of the three suspects and a black Infiniti Q50 sedan that they allegedly used to flee the scene in August, and are asking the public for help in identifying the suspects. The vehicle is believed to be stolen.
Police said the suspect who shot Wachter has tattoos above his left eye and on his right cheek, according to NBC News.
Family and friends said Wachter died a hero after he stepped in to protect a female co-worker during an argument, according to the media.
“The gunman had a mask on and pulled out a gun,” Wachter's friend, Collin Flynn, told ABC News. “From what I understand, Johnny literally put himself between him and one of his coworkers and then the gunman pulled the trigger and ran off.”
BREAKING: Three gang members arrested in connection with Johnny Wactor's murder. More details to come.https://t.co/KyS2SHzPpa
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 15, 2024
Wachter played a regular character on General Hospital from 2020 to 2022 and has also appeared in Criminal Minds, Siberia and Westworld. (RELATED: MMA Fighter Ramon Taveras Survives Horrifying Drive-By Shooting, Releases Surveillance Video)
No further details have been released at this time.
