The cause of death of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor, who was shot and killed in Los Angeles over the weekend, has been revealed.
According to the Los Angeles County Coroner's official website, the 37-year-old actor died from a “gunshot wound to the chest.” The cause of death has been ruled a homicide.
According to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department, Wachter was shot and killed early Saturday morning during an attempted theft of a catalytic converter in the Downtown area.
The actor, who played Brando Corbin on “General Hospital,” was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel.
In a statement to Variety on Sunday, Wachter's talent agent, David Scholl, called Wachter a “wonderful human being” and someone who was “a true moral example to all who knew him.”
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“He epitomized hard work, tenacity and a never give up attitude. Through the ups and downs of a difficult job, he always remained positive and continued to strive for the best,” Scholl said. “The time we spent with Johnny was a privilege that anyone could wish for. He was the kind of person who would literally take the shirt off his back and give it to you. After more than a decade together, he will forever leave a hole in our hearts.”
Johnny Wactor shot and killed 'without provocation' after catalytic converter stolen from car: LAPD
According to local television station KTLA, Los Angeles Police said Wachter witnessed three men stealing a catalytic converter from his car, and when he confronted them, they turned around and shot him.
Officers responded to the 1200 block of Hope Street in Los Angeles at approximately 3:25 a.m. local time after receiving a radio call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon and a shooting. When LAPD officers arrived on scene, “they found the victim, identified as John William Wachter, suffering from a gunshot wound,” a police statement said.
Wachter's mother, Scarlett, told ABC7 on Sunday that her son was on his way home from work at a rooftop bar downtown when the incident happened, and that Wachter initially thought his car was being towed so he approached the man to ask if that was the case, but when the masked suspect looked up, he opened fire on her son, the mother said.
LAPD officers added in a news release that Wachter's vehicle was lifted with a floor jack and the three attempted to steal the catalytic converter. “Without any provocation, the victim was shot by one of the suspects,” LAPD said. “The three suspects involved were wearing all dark clothing and driving a dark sedan.”
Police said the suspects remain at large and the Central Homicide Unit is investigating Wachter's case.
Johnny Wactor dies:'General Hospital' actor shot dead at 37 during suspected burglary attempt
Johnny Wactor's ex-wife pleads with killer in emotional video: 'You shot the wrong guy'
In an emotional video shared on social media on Monday, Tessa Farrell, who identified herself as Wachter's former fiancée, said she remembered him as a “very intelligent person” after he was shot and killed in downtown L.A. She spoke directly to the camera while wearing the ring that was on her engagement ring.
“He was so loved, and he loved you all so much,” Pharrell said in the video, wiping away tears. “He loved you all so much. He was so selfless. And he will always be a big part of my journey as a human being.”
Addressing Wachter's killers directly, Farrell said, “You shot the wrong person,” and called for “legislation to stop this from happening,” adding: “These criminals cannot continue to stay on the streets and they cannot continue to be sent back home without facing consequences for their actions.”
“I shot the wrong guy.”'General Hospital' star Johnny Wactor's ex-girlfriend sends message to killer in emotional video
Farrell explained that he met Wachter in 2013 when they both moved to California to pursue acting careers, and that the pair were “better off as friends” and that they “had to end our relationship” after getting engaged “too quickly,” but that Farrell would always love Wachter.
“I love you so much and am so proud of the person you've become and the obstacles you've overcome. You are forever an inspiration to me in the work I do and the things I do. I wouldn't be here without the lessons you've taught me,” Pharrell said, addressing Wachter directly. “So thank you, Johnny. I love you and I miss you.”
Contributor: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
