Charges of murder filed against suspects in Johnny Wactor's 'General Hospital' case.

On Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that formal criminal charges have been filed in the murder of "General Hospital" star Johnny Wactor.

Last week, four individuals linked to the case were arrested: Robert Barcelau, 18, Leonel Guiterrez, 18, Sergio Estrada, and Frank Olano, 22, who was charged as an accessory to murder.

The DA's office has charged Barcelau with three counts: murder with special circumstances, attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm, and grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.

If convicted, Barcelau faces a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Estrada was accused of one count of murder, armed with a firearm, and two counts of attempted robbery and grand theft, all with firearms. He could receive a life sentence.

Gutierrez and Olano were both charged with serious crimes, with Gutierrez facing almost five years in prison for attempted robbery with a firearm and grand theft, while Olano received almost six years for being an accessory after the fact to murder, receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon with a firearm.

The four suspects, Barcelau, Estrada, Olano, and Guiterrez, are being held in custody without bail. Estrada is being held on a bail of over $2,070,000, while Olano is being held on a bail of over $1,080,000. Guiterrez is being held on a bail of $120,000. They are all scheduled to be arraigned later on Monday.

LAPD Central Homicide Lt. Ryan Rabbett confirmed that the suspects are linked to the Florencia 13 gang in Los Angeles, but he couldn't provide details on their level of involvement. He also stated that all four suspects have extensive criminal records, including juvenile offenses.

On May 25, in the early hours of the morning, a bartender was fatally shot while leaving his job in downtown Los Angeles with a colleague.

According to a press release from Planet Chronicle Digital, the LAPD stated that Wactor was confronted by three individuals after discovering his car had been raised up with a floor jack and was in the process of being stolen.

"The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Area officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Shooting in the 1200 block of Hope Street. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, identified as 37-year-old John William Wactor, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers began to render aid to the victim and requested the response of emergency medical services."

Wactor was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Scarlett Wacor, the mother of the actor, revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that he and a colleague were requested to remain at the rooftop bar where they worked and were on their way back to their vehicles when he was fatally shot.

As they approached their car, Johnny's parked vehicle appeared to be tilted to one side. According to Scarlett, Johnny asked, "Hey, man, are you towing my car?" The person in the mask responded, and Scarlett understood that they weren't involved. The person stepped in front of the co-worker, backed up, and raised their hands. Unfortunately, the person shot Johnny.

"He wasn't trying to stop them from taking it, and they could have just left or taken it. He probably would have given them the car," she said. "They were a cowardly person. I hope they catch them and there's justice for Johnny. I can only hope and pray for that. I will see him again, but down here on Earth, it's going to be a very long road without him for me and his brothers."

Anita Joy, the co-worker of the deceased actor, shared the distressing details of the incident in an Instagram post after his death.

"They were very much a coward[ly] person… I hope they catch them, and I hope there’s justice for Johnny." — Scarlett Wactor

""Johnny was in close proximity to the man who shot him, and despite the severe wound, he fought to survive. I am deeply saddened and enraged. My only comfort is that I was with him and this didn't happen to him alone. My only other source of peace will be seeing those responsible brought to justice," she wrote."

Authorities have been pressured by friends and family to identify the suspects responsible for Wactor's death, with two press conferences held in June and August, including the release of community alerts with photos of the suspects.

Scarlett requested that anyone with information come forward at the August press conference, as reported by The Associated Press.

"My only peace is that I was with him and this didn’t happen to him alone – my only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice." — Anita Joy

"Knowing that they've been captured and convicted will aid in our healing process, including my brothers and me."

"My grief is a constant companion, preventing me from wishing him a happy birthday on Aug. 31, celebrating his 38th birthday. I can't inquire about his return home for Christmas, nor can I ask how his day went," she stated.

Brando Corbin was portrayed by an actor on "General Hospital" for 164 episodes from 2020-22. Additionally, he has credits in "Animal Kingdom," "Criminal Minds," and "Westworld."

In June, a funeral was held for Wactor at the Summerville Baptist Church in South Carolina, where he grew up. The service was led by his family, including his mother, Scarlett, and brothers, Grant and Lance.