3 plead not guilty to killing actor Johnny Wactor – NBC Los Angeles

Two men charged with murder and a third suspect charged with other crimes pleaded not guilty Thursday in the shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor, 37, during a catalytic converter robbery in downtown Los Angeles.

The youth accused, Robert Isaiah Barceleau, 18, of Huntington Park, is charged with murder and a count of aggravated murder during the commission of an attempted robbery in connection with the May 25 slaying of the “General Hospital” actor. Barceleau — who could face a possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted — is also charged with one count each of attempted robbery and grand larceny, both with allegations that he was armed with a firearm.

Sergio Estrada, 18, has also been charged with murder, but is not charged with the special circumstance. He was also charged with attempted robbery and grand larceny along with gun charges.

Two other suspects were charged on August 19 with lesser charges. Frank Olano, 22, of Inglewood, was charged with being an accessory to a crime, along with receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The three men entered not guilty pleas on Thursday. A preliminary hearing date of Oct. 16 was set for Barceleau, Estrada and Olano.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft by embezzlement, both with weapons charges. He is expected to enter a plea at a later date.

Wactor was leaving work at a bar with a co-worker around 3:30 a.m. on May 25 when he encountered a group of men stealing the catalytic converter from his car. One of them shot Wactor without provocation as he approached, police said. Catalytic converters are rich in precious metals that can be resold.

On August 15, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested four gang members in connection with the death of “General Hospital” star Johnny Wactor. He was fatally shot in May by a man who authorities say was trying to steal his car’s catalytic converter.

During the search for the killers, the LAPD released security camera photos from the crime scene and images of an allegedly stolen black 2018 Infiniti Q50 four-door in which he was believed to have escaped. Barceleau, Estrada, Gutierrez and Olano were arrested on August 15 in a series of raids by Los Angeles police.

Friends and family of Wactor held several events and press conferences after his death in a call for justice and the strongest possible charges against the suspects.

In a statement read on behalf of the family, the actor’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, said: “This is far from over. We ask everyone to continue to pray for the harshest punishments” for her son’s murder.”

Wactor appeared in nearly 200 episodes of “General Hospital” from 2020-22. His other credits include “Westworld,” “The OA,” “NCIS,” “Station 19,” “Criminal Minds” and “Hollywood Girl.”