Two men sentenced in connection with General Hospital star Johnny Wactor's murder

Two of the men charged for lesser crimes connected to the murder of former General Hospital star Johnny Wactor were sentenced on Wednesday, January 15.

Justice for General Hospital star

Nineteen-year-old Leonel Gutierez, who plead no contest on charges grand theft and attempted robbery, was sentenced to four years in prison, according to the Associated Press.

Frank Olano, age 22, was not at the scene of the murder but was sentenced to five years and eight months behind bars for receiving stolen property and being an accessory to a crime after the fact. He also plead no contest to the charges.

Eighteen-year-old Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada will be going to trial as a judge determined that there is enough evidence to try them for Wactor's murder.

Wactor's murder shocked Los Angeles

Wactor was killed on May 25, 2024, when he spotted multiple men stealing the catalytic converter from his car after a late night shift bartending at a popular Los Angeles nightspot.

In the days following the actor's death, the co-worker who was with him, Anita Joy, described what happened to Wactor in a detailed Instagram post.

"Johnny was between me and the man who shot him," Joy wrote. "As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed for him, I shouted, 'Hunny, you OK?!' And he only responded, ‘Nope! Shot!’ We toppled onto the street, where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me."

In August, when arrests were made in the case, Joy expressed her relief in another post.

"I’m so overwhelmed and relieved that the suspects have been arrested and are of age to be convicted! The relentlessness and persevering strength that his family and friends have shown is nothing short of incredible and exactly the reason we are getting this news today."

Wactor made his mark on GH

Although Wactor was only a part of the GH cast from 2020 to 2022, he became a beloved member of the Port Charles scene quickly. Wactor's Brando Corbin was introduced as Sonny's (Maurice Benard) long-lost cousin, but his sweet romance with Sasha Gilmore is what won fans' hearts. After his death, Sofia Mattsson paid tribute to Wactor.

"My heart is so utterly broken… Johnny was the absolute best," Mattsson wrote. "So genuine. So caring. Incredibly hard working and humble. With a huge heart that spread so much kindness and joy. He always made sure everyone around him felt seen, heard and loved. I admire the man he was so much and I’m a better person for having known him."