In May, actor Johnny Wactor, known for his role in General Hospital, confronted three masked individuals trying to steal the catalytic converter from his Toyota Prius in downtown Los Angeles. The situation turned deadly when one of the thieves, described as “hot-headed,” fired a single shot into Wactor’s chest, leading to his tragic death.
The suspects, Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, have been charged with murder and pleaded not guilty. During a preliminary hearing, Los Angeles Police Detective Justin Howarth revealed details from a secretly recorded jailhouse conversation. Estrada expressed regret about working with Barceleau, calling him “hot-headed” and claiming he tried to stop him from firing the gun. However, Barceleau reportedly told an informant that he shot Wactor because the actor was “going after the homie” when they were caught lifting the car to steal its catalytic converter.
At the scene, police discovered a rapid-pump floor jack left behind, which carried fingerprints linking Barceleau, Estrada, and a third individual, Leonel Gutierrez, to the crime. Gutierrez later pleaded no contest to attempted robbery and grand theft, while a fourth suspect, Frank “Littles” Olano, admitted to receiving stolen property and acting as an accessory after the fact. Both Gutierrez and Olano are set to be sentenced in January.
On the night of the incident, security cameras near USC captured the suspects stealing a catalytic converter from another car, just 20 minutes before targeting Wactor’s Prius. Wactor, returning to his car after a shift at the Level 8 Lounge, confronted the thieves with his co-worker Anita Gibney. Initially mistaking the situation for a tow, Gibney quickly realized it was theft. While Wactor demanded answers, a single gunshot rang out. Wactor collapsed and told Gibney, “I’ve been shot,” before succumbing to his injuries 14 minutes later.
Five hours after the killing, Barceleau took a photo of himself holding a gun with a laser sight, while Estrada posed beside him, holding cash. According to police, Barceleau later admitted to giving the gun to his father to dispose of it. Both Barceleau and Estrada are alleged members of the Dukes clique of the Florencia-13 gang.
Barceleau also faces additional charges, including assaulting police and leading them on a high-speed chase days after Wactor’s death. Prosecutors claim Barceleau pointed his gun’s laser sight at witnesses during another attempted theft before fleeing from authorities. He is suspected in several other crimes, including burglaries and a robbery at a cannabis dispensary, although no charges have been filed for those cases.
Wactor’s death highlights the dangers of confronting criminals and the growing issue of catalytic converter thefts, often carried out by organized crime groups. His loss has left a profound impact on those who knew him and fans of his work.
