Johnny Wactor Murder Accomplice May Not Even See Jail Time

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Johnny Wactor publicity shot

September 13, 2024 - Yesterday, George Gascon, Los Angeles County District Attorney, announced he was accepting a plea deal from one of the men involved in shooting dead General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor. Leonel Gutierrez entered a formal open plea of guilty to the charges of attempted robbery and grand theft, as well as a principal armed with a firearm allegation.

Three of the other defendants are Robert Barceleau (dob 05/01/2006); Sergio Estrada (dob 05/12/2006); and Frank Olano (dob 02/15/2002). Two of them are being charged with murder according to ABC.

Early in the morning of May 25, around 3:25 am, Wactor was leaving his bartending job in the Moxy Hotel accompanied by a female coworker when he encountered the suspects hoisting his vehicle on a car jack in order to steal the catalytic converter. According to Colin Flynn, a friend of Wactor, one of the other suspects, Robert Barceleau, 18, wearing a mask, pulled out a gun and shot Wactor, who stood between the suspect and his coworker. Wactor died in an area hospital from a gunshot wound to the chest.

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Johnny Wactor apparently in a courtroom scene

Police have reportedly said that all four suspects have significant criminal records and are alleged to belong to a gang.

According to the district attorney's office, Guttierez could not be charged with accomplice to homicide because the state legislature changed the definition of murder in 2019. "The only provable charges as to this defendant are attempted robbery and grand theft."

Sentencing is up to the discretion of the judge and can range from probation to four years and eight months in state prison. Guttierez, currently out on bail, could potentially see no jail time at all for his participation in Wactor's murder.

Gascon said in a statement on the plea deal that, "we are committed to pursuing the remaining individuals with the same unwavering dedication" and will "work diligently to ensure that justice is fully served."

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Lounge of the Moxy Hotel, where Wactor had been working