One of the four individuals charged in connection with the fatal shooting of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor has entered a guilty plea, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office to media.
Leonel Gutierrez, 18, admitted guilt on Wednesday to charges of attempted robbery and grand theft, though he was not identified as the person who shot Wactor. Following his plea, Gutierrez was released on a $120,000 bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 1.
Prior to sentencing, victim impact statements will be presented in court, the district attorney’s office stated. Gutierrez could face a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in prison.
Wactor, 37, was shot and killed in the early hours of May 25 while walking to his car after finishing a shift at a bar. Police reported that the suspects were in the process of stealing his car’s catalytic converter, using a floor jack to lift the vehicle.
Just before the shooting, Wactor was accompanied by a female co-worker, and he stepped in front of her to shield her from harm, according to accounts from his family and friends.
“They wore masks and pulled a gun,” Wactor’s friend, Colin Flynn, previously told media. “Johnny literally put himself between the shooter and his colleague. The gunman then fired and fled.”
Gutierrez, along with three other suspects, was charged in August in connection with Wactor’s death. Two of the suspects face murder charges and could potentially receive life sentences if convicted.
At a press conference announcing the charges, District Attorney George Gascón expressed his commitment to securing justice for Wactor, stating, “We are dedicated to holding those responsible for Mr. Wactor’s death accountable.”
“The loss of this talented actor, who had so much more to give, is deeply tragic,” Gascón added. “Mr. Wactor touched many lives, and our thoughts are with his loved ones and the broader community grieving this heartbreaking loss.”
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Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Ryan Rabbett noted during the press conference that all four suspects have “extensive criminal histories” and are allegedly linked to a gang.
