Current:Home > ContactMan pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing -CoinMarket
Man pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing
View
Date:2025-04-11 14:26:58
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! (7)
Related
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- How Love Is Blind's Chelsea Reacted to Watching Micah and Kwame’s Pool Scene on TV
- Bodies of Lotus Band Member Chuck Morris and His 20-Year-Old Son Recovered 3 Weeks After Disappearance
- Many Americans are heading to Europe this summer. But after chaos in 2022, is European aviation ready?
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Clean up your mess, young activists tell leaders at COP26 climate summit
- Jeremy Renner Enjoys Family Trip to Six Flags Amusement Park 3 Months After Snowplow Accident
- Greenhouse gas levels reached record highs in 2020, even with pandemic lockdowns
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Clueless Star Alicia Silverstone Reveals If Paul Rudd Is a Good Kisser
Ranking
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- The U.K. considers its 1st new coal mine in decades even as it calls to phase out coal
- Greenhouse gas levels reached record highs in 2020, even with pandemic lockdowns
- Hurry to Coach Outlet's 70% Off Limited-Time Sale for Trendy Tote Bags, Wallets & More Starting at $26
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Nations are making new pledges to cut climate pollution. They aren't enough
- A climate summit theme: How much should wealthy countries pay to help poorer ones?
- Jeremy Renner Enjoys Family Trip to Six Flags Amusement Park 3 Months After Snowplow Accident
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Darwin in a lab: Coral evolution tweaked for global warming
Many Americans are heading to Europe this summer. But after chaos in 2022, is European aviation ready?
Jane Goodall encourages all to act to save Earth in 'The Book of Hope'
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Key takeaways as China urges solidarity with Russia, India and other Shanghai Cooperation allies
Joe Manchin's objections to a clean energy program threaten Biden's climate promises
U.S. ambassador to Russia meets with detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich