LAPD Seeks Public’s Help In Johnny Wactor Killing; Suspects Remain At Large

The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public for tips in the tragic shooting death of General Hospital actor Johnny Wactor Saturday.

In a news release confirming earlier accounts of the crime, the LAPD said today that, based on witness statements, 37-year-old John William Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and was walking to his vehicle when “he was confronted by three individuals who had Wactor’s vehicle raised up with a floor jack and were in the process of stealing the catalytic converter.”

“Without provocation, the victim was shot by one of the individuals,” police said. “The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark colored sedan. The suspects fled northbound on Hope St. Central Bureau Homicide is investigating this case and is requesting the public’s help.”

While the police statement mentions a witness, the LAPD has not confirmed the witness’ identity. Wactor’s family has said that the actor was walking a female co-worker to her car and, upon encountering the thieves at Wactor’s car, the actor positioned himself in front of his co-worker just before he was shot.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call Detectives Gonzales or Martinez, Los Angeles Police Department, Central Bureau Homicide, at (213) 996-4142. During nonbusiness hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527- 3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit http://www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

When police arrived at the crime scene in the 1200 block of Hope Street, Downtown Los Angeles, around 3:25 a.m. on May 25, officers found Wactor suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers began to render aid to the victim and requested the response of emergency medical services. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported Wactor to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.