The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has released photos of three individuals suspected of being involved in the fatal shooting of former "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor in May. The grainy photos released by LAPD on Sunday show three individuals wearing hooded sweatshirts, and police indicated the man who fired the weapon has a tattoo above his left eye and the right cheek. The photos also show a black four-door Infiniti Q50 sedan with a tan interior. Authorities said the car was stolen.
Catalytic Converter Thefts: A Growing Problem
Catalytic converter thefts have become a significant issue across the United States, with Los Angeles being particularly hard hit. These devices contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are valuable on the black market. Thefts escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased demand for the metals and supply chain disruptions. Thieves target these parts because they can easily be removed from vehicles, often in under a minute, and can be sold to scrap yards or unscrupulous buyers.
Thefts on the Rise in California
The problem of catalytic converter theft has become so prevalent in California that the state legislature has taken steps to address it. In 2022, new laws were enacted to make it illegal for recyclers to buy catalytic converters from anyone other than the vehicle's legal owner or a licensed dealer. Penalties for buyers who fail to certify the origin of the converters were also increased.
The Shooting and Its Aftermath
Wactor, 37, was shot as he left work at a downtown rooftop bar early on May 25. His mother told CNN affiliate KABC that her son had been walking with one of his coworkers when he saw what he thought was someone working on a car. The LAPD stated that three men were trying to steal a catalytic converter when the victim interrupted them. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot the victim before the men drove off in a vehicle.
Police Seek Public's Help
The LAPD is urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward. The department has released images of the suspects and the getaway car, hoping to garner further evidence confirming the men's identities. Central Bureau homicide detectives can be reached at (213) 996-4143 or (213) 996-4173. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
A Loss of Life
The death of Johnny Wactor has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. The actor was a rising star with a promising career ahead of him. His untimely passing is a tragic reminder of the dangers of catalytic converter thefts, which can escalate into violence.
The LAPD's release of suspect photos in this case is a crucial step in the investigation. The public's cooperation is essential in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring that this type of violence does not continue to plague our communities.
