Murder of 'General Hospital' Star Johnny Wactor: LAPD Still Seeks Suspects
Johnny Wactor, known for his role on General Hospital, was murdered on May 25 while confronting thieves attempting to steal his car's catalytic converter.
The LAPD has released photos of the suspects in the young television star's death and is continuing to seek public assistance in identifying them, as Fox News reports.
Wactor, 37, was killed in the early hours of that fateful day when he and a co-worker, Anita Joy, were returning to their cars after working late at a rooftop bar. They encountered three individuals who were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from Wactor's car.
LAPD Releases Suspect Photos in Actor's Murder
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspects fled the scene in a stolen 2018 black, four-door Infiniti Q50 with a tan interior.
The LAPD has released photos of the suspects and is urging anyone with information to contact them or the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
Joy, Wactor's co-worker, shared the harrowing details of the encounter on Instagram. She described how they initially thought the car was being towed but soon realized the men were stealing the catalytic converter. Wactor confronted the thieves, calmly asking them to leave.
"We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed," Joy wrote. "We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace."
Co-worker Describes Final Moments
The confrontation quickly turned deadly. One of the suspects shot Wactor at close range. Joy held him in his final moments, later expressing her heartbreak and anger over the senseless act.
"Johnny was between me and the man who shot him. It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay," Joy shared. "I am utterly heartbroken and so very angry. 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."
Joy also emphasized her determination to seek justice for Wactor. "He was killed senselessly by a coward who reacted without care of the gorgeous life he was taking," she stated. "I'm angry, I'm sad, and I'm all the feelings at once, but above all, I am here for Johnny's justice."
Community Calls for Action After Actor's Death
Since Wactor's death, friends and co-workers have been calling for action from Los Angeles officials. They are demanding increased security measures and more efforts to combat catalytic converter thefts, which have been on the rise in the area.
Wactor played Brando Corbin on General Hospital for 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022. His sudden death has left a significant impact on his colleagues and fans.
Police Urge Public to Help Identify Suspects
The LAPD is continuing its investigation and is asking the public to help identify the suspects. Officials have released photos of the individuals believed to be responsible for Wactor's murder and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the LAPD or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers," the police statement read. "Your assistance could be crucial in bringing justice for Johnny Wactor."
Wactor's mother, Scarlett Wactor, has remained largely silent on the circumstances of her son's death. The family is requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice for Johnny Wactor
Johnny Wactor's tragic death has shaken his community and highlighted the dangers of catalytic converter theft.
As the LAPD continues its search for the suspects, friends and co-workers remember Wactor as a calm and courageous individual.
The public's assistance is crucial in bringing those responsible to justice, ensuring that Wactor's death is not in vain.