Johnny Wactor murder: Hearing set for 2 charged in actor's killing

LOS ANGELES - Monday marked the beginning of a hearing for two men charged with the murder of former "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor in downtown Los Angeles last year.

One of two men admitted to a jailhouse operative that he had shot the victim, a Los Angeles police detective testified Monday.

The testimony from Los Angeles Police Department Detective Justin Howarth came during the first day of a hearing in which Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo is expected to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to allow the case against Robert Isaiah Barceleau and his co- defendant, Sergio Estrada, to proceed to trial.

During a conversation with an undercover jailhouse operative shortly after being arrested last Aug. 15, Barceleau said he had "shot Wactor once," according to the detective.

Barceleau told the undercover operative that he had fired because Wactor was "going after the homie," referring to an alleged accomplice, the detective said.

Barceleau and Estrada, both 18, are charged with one count each of murder, attempted second-degree robbery and grand theft involving the May 25, 2024, attack on Wactor, who was 37.

Barceleau is also facing a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a robbery, along with allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury and death to Wactor.

Barceleau and Estrada are also facing allegations filed last month that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, while Estrada is facing an allegation that someone involved in the crime personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury and death.

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In a separate jailhouse sting, Estrada told an undercover jailhouse operative that he yelled "No" when he saw Barceleau pull out a gun, Howarth testified.

Estrada described Barceleau as being "hot-headed" and said he didn't want to go with him that night, according to the detective.

Both men were photographed -- with Barceleau holding a semi-automatic weapon and Estrada holding a stack of cash -- about five hours after the killing, Howarth testified.

Two other defendants pleaded guilty or no contest last year to less serious charges.

Wactor, 37, was shot and killed on May 25 when he walked in on thieves stealing the catalytic converter from his car in downtown Los Angeles. Police said Wactor had left work at a rooftop bar with a coworker when he saw three men who had hoisted his car. Police said one of them fired at him without provocation and killed him. The men fled in a car and Wactor was taken to a hospital, where he was later declared dead, police said.

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Leonel Gutierrez, 19, pleaded guilty or no contest last year to less serious charges and remains free on bond until his sentencing on Jan. 15 for attempted robbery and grand theft. He faces a maximum of four years and eight months in prison if convicted.

Frank Olano, 22, will be sentenced on Jan. 15 for being an accessory after the fact and receiving stolen property and three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, according to court records.