If convicted as charged, Robert Barceleau faces life in prison. He is being held without bail.
Four Defendants are charged with multiple felonies.
August 19, 2024 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced murder charges in the shooting death of actor Johnny Wactor, who was killed 
in May during a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt.
“Johnny Wactor’s life was senselessly taken while he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles. We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The loss of this talented young actor, who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world, is deeply felt by all of us. Mr. Wactor’s work and presence touched the lives of many, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire community who mourn this devastating loss.”
Mayor Karen Bass expressed her continued condolences to the Wactor family and the community mourning his loss.
“I want to thank the LAPD for their work and partnership throughout the investigation and for their continued efforts to keep Angelenos safe and to bring justice to victims of violence,” Mayor Bass said. “We must continue to take aggressive action to make our city safer. Those who commit crimes must be held fully responsible for their actions.”
The case is being investigated by LAPD’s Central Bureau Homicide Division.
“While this was not an easy case for anyone involved, I am confident that we have the right people on the right charges,” LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said. “Our investigators worked tirelessly to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and follow every lead to ensure that justice is served. To the family and loved ones of Johnny Wactor: We know that no legal action can ever bring back the person you have lost, but we hope that today’s announcement brings some measure of comfort in knowing that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”
Robert Barceleau (18) was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances of murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm; one count of attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.
Sergio Estrada (18) was charged with one count of murder with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.
Leonel Gutierrez (18) was charged with one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.
Frank Olano (22) 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 with a firearm.
The defendants are set be arraigned today in Dept. 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
On May 25 at about 3:25 a.m., Johnny Wactor, 37, was leaving his bartending job in the Moxy Hotel, located at 1260 South Figueroa Blvd. in downtown Los Angeles, when he encountered three men suspected of trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car parked at Hope St. near Pico Blvd. Defendant Barceleau allegedly shot Wactor once in the chest. Wactor died at an area hospital.
Barceleau is being held without bail. Estrada is being held on $2,070,000 bail. Olano is being held on $1,080,000 bail. Gutierrez is being held on $120,000 bail.
If convicted as charged, Barceleau faces life in prison without parole. Estrada faces a maximum of life in prison. Olano faces five years, eight months in prison. Gutierrez faces four years, eight months in prison.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney
