Johnny Wactor from “General Hospital” killed in catalytic converter theft

Johnny Wactor, best known for his role as Brando in “General Hospital” between 2020 and 2022, was shot and killed in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday morning, May 25. He was 37 years old.

The actor was killed in an attempted theft of a catalytic converter, according to local television station KTLA. Johnny’s younger brother Grant confirmed his death to KTLA. News of Wactor’s death was first reported by TMZ.

The actor made his television debut in 2007 in Army Wives. He was also known for his work on several short films: “The Grass Is Never Greener” (2010), “GoldenBox” (2011), “Anything for You, Abby” (2019) and “We Won’t Forget” (2021). His most notable feature film appearance was in 2016’s “USS Indianapolis: Man of Courage,” where he starred alongside Nicholas Cage, Tom Sizemore and Thomas Jane, according to a USA report.

Wactor will be remembered and mourned by his family, friends, fans and those who worked with him throughout his career. David Shaul, Wactor’s talent agent, issued the following statement to Variety about the actor:

“He represents hard work, tenacity and a never-give-up attitude. Through the ups and downs of a demanding profession, he always kept his head up and continued to strive to be the best,” Shaul said in a statement. “Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on anyone. He would literally give you the shirt off your back. After over a decade together, he will forever leave a hole in our hearts.”

Crime and murder details

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to Hope Avenue and Pico Boulevard around 3:25 a.m. Saturday morning. When police arrived at the scene, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

According to LAPD, the man saw three men stealing the catalytic converter from his vehicle. When he approached them to confront them, they turned and opened fire. The man had just left work at a local rooftop bar when the incident occurred, the actor’s mother, Scarlett, told ABC 7.

Wactor had approached the men because he thought his car was being towed and wanted to ask them a question. Scarlett said when the masked suspect looked up, he shot her son.

According to ABC 7, Wactor was taken by paramedics to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities plan an autopsy and the actor’s family will take him to South Carolina for burial, Scarlett told Fox News Digital.

According to police, the three suspects are still at large.

Where in SC did Wactor come from?

Wactor was born in Charleston and grew up in Summerville, SC

In the USA, thefts of catalytic converters are increasing rapidly

A 2023 report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows an increase in catalytic converter thefts across the country. In 2022, there were 64,000 catalytic converter thefts in the country. California and Texas currently lead the way in catalytic converter crime. Both states saw more than 32,000 thefts in 2022.

“This new data is just a snapshot of an underreported crime that affects communities across the country,” said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of the NICB. “While a catalytic converter can be removed in a matter of minutes, the cost to vehicle owners is much higher than the replacement parts. Victims must find alternative transportation, plan for necessary repairs, and potentially face job loss as a result.”

Why do people steal catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters have been required in the U.S. since 1975 and are used to neutralize harmful gases in engine exhaust that contribute to air pollution and smog. They are located on the underside of cars and trucks as part of the exhaust system and contain rare earths more valuable than gold, such as palladium, platinum and rhodium. Metal recyclers typically pay between $50 and $250 for a catalytic converter and up to $800 to remove one from a hybrid vehicle. Replacing the part can cost between $1,000 and $3,500, according to the NICB.

Wactor’s mother and ex-fiancée mourn the actor’s death

Scarlett had this to say about her son, USA TODAY reported:

“I want everyone to know that they have lost a great person. It leaves a huge hole in my life and his brother’s life,” Scarlett said. “We just buried my husband, their father, four years ago. And he was very loved by his friends and family. He lived life to the fullest, he followed his dreams, he was a very optimistic, positive person.”

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