Current:Home > MyMan pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing -AssetScope
Man pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing
View
Date:2025-04-13 14:30:12
One of the four people charged in connection to the death of "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor has entered a guilty plea in the case.
Leonel Gutierrez, 18, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and grand theft, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday. Gutierrez, who is free on $120,000 bond, is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 1.
According to the Los Angeles Times and CBS News, Gutierrez faces up to four years and eight months in prison with his current charges.
Wactor, who was best known for his role as Brando Corbin on "General Hospital," died from a gunshot wound to the chest in downtown Los Angeles on May 25. He was 37.
The cases against alleged conspirators Robert Barceleau, 18; Sergio Estrada, 18 and Frank Olano, 22, are pending. They have all pleaded not guilty to felony charges and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing setting on Oct. 16.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The four men were arrested on Aug. 14. Barceleau – who allegedly shot Wactor in the chest, per investigators – and Estrada were each charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted robbery and one count of grand theft.
Olano was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder, one count of receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted under the current charges, Barceleau faces life in prison without parole. Estrada faces a maximum of life in prison. Gutierrez faces four years, eight months in prison, and Olano faces five years, eight months in prison.
Johnny Wactor's mom: 'Grief is my constant companion'
Wactor was shot around 3 a.m. May 25 during an attempted catalytic converter theft in the 1200 block of Hope Street, per LAPD's May 28 news release. Officers "began to render aid" to Wactor, who was later transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"Based on witness statements, Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and walked to his vehicle. When Wactor arrived at his vehicle, he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor's vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter," LAPD reported. "Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals."
During a news conference in downtown Los Angeles last month, Wactor's mother, Scarlett Wactor, said “Grief is my constant companion,” according to The Associated Press.
"I can’t wish him happy birthday on Aug. 31 — he would have been 38," she continued. "I can’t ask if he’s coming home for Christmas. I can’t ask how his day went.”
veryGood! (234)
Related
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Metro Phoenix voters to decide on extension of half-cent sales tax for transportation projects
- America Ferrera Dressed Like Barbie Even Without Wearing Pink—Here's How You Can, Too
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guard runs drill on disputed islands as US military presence in region grows
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- A wasted chance to fight addiction? Opioid settlement cash fills a local budget gap
- Jamie Foxx Shares How Courageous Sister Deidra Dixon Saved His Life in Birthday Message
- Uber is soaring. Could it become a trillion-dollar stock?
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- KORA Organics Skincare From Miranda Kerr Is What Your Routine’s Been Missing — And It Starts at $18
Ranking
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Gay NYC dancer fatally stabbed while voguing at gas station; hate crime investigation launched
- Watch the 5 best goals of World Cup group play. Does Lindsey Horan's header top the list?
- Trump allies charged with felonies involving voting machines
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Arrest made in Indiana shooting that killed 1, wounded 17
- Multiple dogs euthanized in Alabama after fatally attacking 27-year-old man
- U.S. women advance in World Cup with 0-0 draw against Portugal
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Glow All Summer Long With Sofia Richie Grainge’s Quick Makeup Hacks To Beat the Heat
Special counsel Jack Smith announces new Trump charges, calling Jan. 6 an unprecedented assault
Ukraine's nightlife is thriving despite Russia's war, even where it has had to rise from the ashes
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Halted Ukraine grain deal, funding shortages rattle UN food aid programs
Takeaways from the Trump indictment that alleges a campaign of ‘fraud and deceit’
North Carolina Gov. Cooper isn’t sold on tax-cut restrictions by Republicans still finalizing budget