Current:Home > StocksMan pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing -MoneyTrend
Man pleads guilty to charges related to 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor's killing
View
Date:2025-04-17 00:59:22
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! (8547)
Related
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- How Taylor Swift Is Kicking Off The Last Leg of Eras Tour
- Congress made overturning elections harder, but there are still loopholes | The Excerpt
- Sean “Diddy” Combs Accused of Sexual Assault and Rape in Series of New Civil Suits
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Ahead of the presidential election, small biz owners are growing more uncertain about the economy
- The U.S. already has millions of climate refugees. Helene and Milton could make it worse.
- Will Cowboys fire Mike McCarthy? Jerry Jones blasts 'hypothetical' after brutal loss
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- United States men's national soccer team vs. Mexico: How to watch Tuesday's friendly
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Review: 'NCIS: Origins' prequel is good enough for Gibbs
- Why Nina Dobrev’s Ex Austin Stowell Jokes He’s Dating “300 People”
- More than 400 7-Eleven US stores to close by end of the year
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- NFL Week 6 overreactions: Jets playoff bound with Davante Adams, Lions' title hopes over
- Lupita Nyong'o Breaks Down in Tears Detailing Grief Over Black Panther Costar Chadwick Boseman’s Death
- Mike Tyson will 'embarrass' Jake Paul, says Muhammad Ali's grandson Nico Ali Walsh
Recommendation
Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
Dylan Sprouse Proves He's Wife Barbara Palvin's Biggest Cheerleader Ahead of Victoria's Secret Show
What to know about shaken baby syndrome as a Texas man could be first in US executed over it
Hasan Minhaj, Jessel Taank, Jay Sean stun at star-studded Diwali party
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
Ozzy Osbourne Makes Rare Public Appearance Amid Parkinson's Battle
Tia Mowry and Tamera Mowry’s Candid Confessions May Make You Do a Double Take
When will Jonathon Brooks play? Latest injury update on Panthers rookie RB