Early Morning Homicide in Central Division NR24163ma

August 15, 2024   NR24163ma

UPDATE

Early this morning, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Bureau Homicide conducted search warrants relating to the John Wactor case at several locations throughout Los Angeles. These search warrants resulted in four people being arrested and evidence recovered.

Robert Barceleau, DOB: May 1, 2006, a resident of Huntington Park was booked on arrest warrant for Murder.

Leonel Gutierrez, DOB: December 17, 2005, a resident of Los Angeles County was booked on an arrest warrant for Murder.

Sergio Estrada, DOB: May 12, 2006, a resident of Los Angeles County, was booked on an arrest warrant for Murder.

Frank Olano, DOB: February, 15, 2002, a resident of Inglewood, was booked on an arrest warrant for Accessory (32PC).

Downtown Los Angeles: On May 25, 2024, around 3:25 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department, Central Area officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon- Shooting in the 1200 block of Hope Street. Upon officers’ arrival they discovered the victim, identified as 37-year-old John William Wactor, suffering from an apparent 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.

Based on witness statements, Wactor had ended his shift as a bartender at a local bar and walked to his vehicle. When Wactor arrived at his vehicle, 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.

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.

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 non-business 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 www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit 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.