Prosecutors Will Not Seek Death Penalty in Johnny Wactor Shooting
Los Angeles, CA – Prosecutors announced Monday they will not pursue the death penalty against Robert Isaiah Barceleau, 19, charged in the fatal shooting of former “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor. Barceleau faces a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole if convicted of the May 25, 2024, attack that occurred as Wactor confronted a group attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car in downtown Los Angeles.
The decision comes as the legal proceedings continue to unfold, revealing a disturbing account of a robbery gone tragically wrong. Barceleau is charged with one count each of murder and attempted second-degree robbery, alongside a count of grand theft related to the catalytic converter theft. He also faces a special circumstance allegation of murder committed during a robbery, as well as allegations of intentionally discharging a firearm causing Wactor’s death.
Sergio Estrada, 19, Barceleau’s co-defendant, shares the same charges but does not face the special circumstance allegation or the firearm discharge allegation. Both men have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to appear in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom on January 14 for a pretrial hearing.
Details Emerge from Jailhouse Testimony
During a January hearing, Los Angeles Police Department Detective Justin Howarth presented compelling testimony regarding statements made by both defendants to undercover jailhouse operatives. According to the detective, Barceleau admitted to shooting Wactor once, claiming he fired because the actor was “going after the homie,” referring to an alleged accomplice.
Estrada, in a separate conversation, reportedly told an operative he yelled “No” when he saw Barceleau pull out a gun. He described Barceleau as “hot-headed” and stated he didn’t want to participate in the night’s events. Estrada also claimed Wactor “rushed” him and expressed confidence they wouldn’t be identified by a female witness due to their use of masks.
Investigators also uncovered photographic evidence taken approximately five hours after the killing, showing Barceleau holding a semi-automatic weapon and Estrada with a stack of cash.
Additional Suspects Receive Sentences
The investigation extended beyond Barceleau and Estrada, leading to the conviction of two additional individuals involved in the events surrounding Wactor’s death. Frank Olano, 23, received a five-year and eight-month prison sentence after pleading no contest to being an accessory after the fact, receiving stolen property, and firearm possession by a felon. Leonel Gutierrez, 19, was sentenced to four years in prison for pleading guilty to attempted robbery and grand theft.
Testimony revealed that Olano admitted to obtaining six catalytic converters from the suspects on the day of the shooting. Forensic evidence further linked Barceleau, Estrada, and Gutierrez to the crime scene, with fingerprints found on a floor jack used in the attempted catalytic converter theft. While a forensic print specialist acknowledged the fingerprints could have been left on the jack up to a year prior to the incident, their presence nonetheless connected the individuals to the scene.
The Night of the Shooting
The tragic events unfolded shortly before 3:30 a.m. on May 25, 2024, as Wactor and a coworker walked toward his 2013 Toyota Prius after finishing his shift at the Level 8 bar/restaurant. A coworker noticed individuals near Wactor’s vehicle and attempted to photograph them, believing the car was being towed. Wactor then approached the suspects, asking what they were doing.
According to testimony from another coworker, she “heard a loud snap” and Wactor fell back, stating, “I’ve been shot.” He was transported to California Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:39 a.m. from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Wactor, known for his nearly 200 appearances on “General Hospital” from 2020-2022, also had roles in popular series such as “Westworld,” “NCIS,” and “Station 19.”
The arrests of Barceleau, Estrada, Gutierrez, and Olano occurred in August 2024 following a series of raids conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department. As the case progresses, the community mourns the loss of a talented actor and awaits justice for his untimely death.
.
A blood drive was held Saturday to honor the life of Johnny Wactor.
Johnny Wactor’s final film is set to premiere Tuesday at the TCL Chinese Theatre, just over a year after his murder.
Copyright © 2025 by City News Service, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
