Arrests made in LA murder of 'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor

Authorities in Los Angeles may be one key step closer to bringing justice to a family that lost a loved one earlier this year in an act of senseless violence.

As NBC News reports, after months in pursuit of suspects, police last week announced the arrests of four men in connection to the May murder of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor, who was killed after confronting thieves attempting to steal the catalytic converter from a vehicle.

Arrests made in actor's murder

According to a statement issued by the Los Angeles Police Department the three young men were arrested for suspected murder are Robert Barceleau, Leonel Guttierez, and Sergio Estrada, all of whom were said to be 18 years of age.

Another man, 22-year-old Frank Olano, was arrested on suspicion of acting as an accessory to the crime.

The arrests and related evidence collection were accomplished after a series of search warrants were executed at a number of locations across the city, and bail for the individuals involved was reportedly set at $2 million.

In the wake of the arrests, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her gratitude for the police work that led to the arrests, declaring that there must be accountability for what she called a “brazen and heinous act.”

Tragic end for well-known soap actor

As Variety reported back in May, Wactor, 37, was fatally shot in the early hours of a Saturday morning when he encountered the aforementioned catalytic converter thieves on a downtown L.A. street.

The shooting took place around 3 a.m. near Pico Boulevard and Hope Street, and though Wactor was taken to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead soon after.

Though he was well known for his appearances on the popular ABC soap opera General Hospital during the years 2020 to 2022, he also performed in Army Wives and had guest roles on Westworld, Station 19, Siberia, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and other notable programs.

In the immediate aftermath of his death, Wactor's agent David Shaul stated, “Johnny Wactor was a spectacular human being. Not just a talented actor who was committed to his craft but a real moral example to everyone who knew him. Standing for hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude.”

“Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever,” he added.

Wactor left behind his mother, Scarlett, and two brothers, Lance and Grant, who will hopefully gain some sense of peace and closure now that the wheels of justice are in motion against those accused of perpetrating this horrendous crime.