Murder charges announced in fatal shooting of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor

Wactor, 37, was shot and killed during a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt in May.

Four men have been charged with various crimes in connection with the fatal shooting of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor, who was killed May 25 during a suspected catalytic converter theft attempt in downtown Los Angeles. Two of the suspects have been charged with murder.

L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges Monday. The suspects charged with murder have been identified as Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18. Barceleau was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances of murder during an attempted robbery and personal use of a firearm, while Estrada was charged with one count of murder with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm.

Both men were charged with additional counts of attempted robbery and grand theft while armed with a firearm.

Related: 4 arrested in connection with killing of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor

The two other men face lesser charges. Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was charged with one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm. Frank Olano, 22, was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder, one count of receiving stolen property, and three counts of being a felon with a firearm.

If convicted as charged, Barceleau faces life in prison without parole, Estrada faces a maximum of life, Olano faces five years and eight months, and Gutierrez faces four years and eight months.

Wactor, 37, was shot when he and a co-worker, Anita Joy, were leaving the bar and restaurant where they had been bartending and encountered three men trying to steal the catalytic converter from Wactor's car, according to authorities. Joy said Wactor died in her arms after trying to shield her from further attack.

Related: Johnny Wactor's costars, family march through Los Angeles to demand justice for General Hospital star

"Johnny Wactor's life was senselessly taken while he was simply walking to his parked car in downtown Los Angeles," Gascón said in a statement. "We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Wactor and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The loss of this talented young actor, who was in the prime of his life and had so much to offer the world, is deeply felt by all of us. Mr. Wactor's work and presence touched the lives of many, and our hearts go out to his family, friends and the entire community who mourn this devastating loss."

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Wactor was best known for playing Brando Corbin on the long-running soap opera General Hospital, appearing in 164 episodes. His other screen credits included Army Wives, NCIS, The OA, Westworld, Station 19, Supercell, and Dead Talk Tales Vol. 1. He had a number of upcoming projects, including the film American Sognare, which is currently in post-production.

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