September 12, 2024: Leonel Gutierrez Pleads Guilty in Attempted Robbery Involving Actor Johnny Wactor in LA, Including Grand Theft

Leonel Gutierrez pleaded guilty today to all charges and allegations charged against him in the attempted robbery of Johnny Wactor, including grand theft in a separate incident on May 25

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that on September 11, Leonel Gutierrez entered a formal open plea of guilty to all charges and allegations alleged against him in the attempted robbery of actor Johnny Wactor on May 25 in downtown Los Angeles, as well as a separate grand theft that same evening.

Gutierrez is scheduled to be sentenced November 1 at 1:30 pm in Dept. 50 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Gutierrez's sentence will be determined by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. He was among four defendants charged in crimes connected to Wactor's death.

"Today marks a significant step toward justice for the family and friends of Johnny Wactor," District Attorney Gascón said. "Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him, and we recognize the profound pain his loss has caused. With one of the four defendants having pleaded guilty, we are committed to pursuing the remaining individuals with the same unwavering dedication. Our office will continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is fully served and that Mr. Wactor's loved ones can find some measure of closure in this difficult time."

Leonel Gutierrez (dob 12/17/2005) pleaded guilty on September 11 in case 24CJCF05159 to an amended complaint in which he was charged with attempted robbery and grand theft, as well as a principal armed with a firearm allegation.

Gutierrez was charged on August 19 along with three other defendants,Robert Barceleau (dob 05/01/2006); Sergio Estrada (dob 05/12/2006); and Frank Olano (dob 02/15/2002) with crimes connected to the death of Wactor. The remaining defendants' cases are pending. They are scheduled for preliminary hearing setting on October 16 in Dept. 50 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

On May 25 at about 3:25 a.m., Johnny Wactor, 37, was leaving his bartending job in the Moxy Hotel, located at 1260 South Figueroa Blvd., in downtown Los Angeles, when he encountered three men, including Gutierrez, allegedly attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his car parked at Hope St., near Pico Blvd. Defendant Barceleau allegedly shot Wactor once in the chest. Wactor died at an area hospital.

The case is being prosecuted by LADA's Major Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.