Current:Home > ScamsMan pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing -ProsperityStream Academy
Man pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing
View
Date:2025-04-15 09:27:33
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! (32)
Related
- Judge says Mexican ex-official tried to bribe inmates in a bid for new US drug trial
- Never send a boring email again: How to add a signature (and photo) in Outlook
- West Virginia bus driver charged with DUI after crash sends multiple children to the hospital
- It's NFL franchise tag deadline day. What does it mean, top candidates and more
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Could ‘Microfactories’ Pave a New Path Forward for Plastic Recycling?
- Thousands watch as bald eagle parents squabble over whose turn it is to keep eggs warm
- Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Kyle Richards’ Guide To Cozy Luxury Without Spending a Fortune
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- California voters will set matchups for key US House races on Super Tuesday
Ranking
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Vermont father pleads guilty to manslaughter in drowning death of 2-year-old son after allegedly fleeing DUI crash
- MH370 vanished a decade ago and search efforts stopped several years later. A U.S. company wants to try again.
- Horoscopes Today, March 4, 2024
- British golfer Charley Hull blames injury, not lack of cigarettes, for poor Olympic start
- Court rules Florida’s “stop woke” law restricting business diversity training is unconstitutional
- Kristin Cavallari, Mark Estes and the sexist relationship age gap discourse
- Powerball winning numbers for March 4, 2024 drawing: $485 million jackpot up for grabs
Recommendation
What polling shows about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ new running mate
San Francisco votes on measures to compel drug treatment and give police surveillance cameras
JetBlue and Spirit abandon their decision to merge after it was blocked by a judge
Of the Subway bread choices, which is the healthiest? Ranking the different types
Shilo Sanders' bankruptcy case reaches 'impasse' over NIL information for CU star
Jason Kelce officially hangs 'em up: Eagles All-Pro center retires after 13 seasons in NFL
MH370 vanished a decade ago and search efforts stopped several years later. A U.S. company wants to try again.
Crowded race for Alabama’s new US House district, as Democrats aim to flip seat in November