Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Monday that two of the four people charged with the murder of actor Johnny Wactor are teenagers.
Prosecutors have charged Robert Barceló and Sergio Estrada, both 18, with the murder of the famed “General Hospital” star. Leonel Gutierrez, also 18, and Frank Olano, 22, were charged with lesser offenses. According to Gascon's office.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released still images taken from video footage from the crime scene in early August. According to People magazine, the images show the suspects and a stolen black Infiniti Q50 sedan that police say the suspects were driving on the day Wachter died. The suspects allegedly shot and killed Wachter on May 25 as he was walking to his car after work, where they were allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter from the vehicle. Wachter was 37 years old when he died.
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
The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Bureau Homicide Unit investigated the case.
“We seek justice for Mr. Wachter and will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” Gascón said in a press release. “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of this talented young actor who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world. Mr. Wachter's work and presence touched so many lives, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire community as they mourn this tragic loss.”
LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 2013: Actor Johnny Wactor, star of the NBC show “Siberia,” poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in August 2013. (Photo by Patsy Dunn/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi spoke about the arrests made in the case.
“This was not an easy case for anyone involved, but I am confident we have made the right arrests on the right charges,” he said. “Our investigators worked tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses and follow up on every lead to ensure justice is served.”
Prosecutors charged Barcelo, Estrada and Gutierrez with one count of attempted robbery by personal use of a firearm and one count of theft by suspected possession of a firearm.
Barcelo faces life in prison without the possibility of parole and is currently being held without bail, according to Gascón's office.
Prosecutors have charged Estrada with one count of murder and being a principal in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. He is being held on $2.07 million bail, according to a press release from Gascón's office.
The District Attorney's Office said Olano was charged with one count of aiding and abetting murder, one count of receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a possible prison sentence of five years and eight months. He is being held on $1.08 million bail, according to People magazine. (Related article: Jay Leno speaks out against lax laws and crime prevention measures after actor murder)
Gutierrez was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison and is being held on $120,000 bail.
