Beloved Actor Johnny Wactor Shot and Killed in Downtown Los Angeles During Catalytic Converter Theft Attempt

Los Angeles, California United States of America
Catalytic converter thefts have become increasingly common in California due to their valuable precious metals content.
Johnny Wactor, a beloved actor known for his roles in 'General Hospital' and other shows, was shot and killed on May 25, 2024, in downtown Los Angeles.
The LAPD is investigating the shooting and has released a description of the suspects as three men wearing all dark clothing.
Three suspects attempted to steal a catalytic converter from Wactor's car.
Wactor confronted the suspects who opened fire and killed him.
Beloved Actor Johnny Wactor Shot and Killed in Downtown Los Angeles During Catalytic Converter Theft Attempt

Johnny Wactor, a beloved actor known for his roles in 'General Hospital' and other shows, was tragically killed on May 25, 2024, in downtown Los Angeles. According to multiple sources including Anita Joy, Wactor's co-worker and friend, they were leaving work when they encountered three suspects attempting to steal a catalytic converter from Wactor's car. The suspects opened fire on the pair after being confronted by Wactor.

Joy recounted in her Instagram post that she and Wactor had been cautiously approaching the group, believing his car was being towed. However, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot Wactor before fleeing with their accomplices in a dark sedan.

Wactor's friend described the scene as chaotic as she tried to save him by administering first aid and calling for help. A security guard named Bryan also arrived on the scene to assist, attempting CPR but ultimately unable to revive Wactor.

The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the shooting and has released a description of the suspects as three men wearing all dark clothing.

Catalytic converter thefts have become increasingly common in California due to their valuable precious metals content. Thefts skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to new state laws making it illegal for recyclers to buy catalytic converters from anyone other than the vehicle's legal owner or a licensed dealer.

Wactor's family has yet to release a statement on his passing. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.



Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Was there any identification of the suspects beyond their clothing description?
  • Was Wactor's car actually being towed or was it a mistaken assumption?

Sources

99%

  • Unique Points
    • Johnny Wactor was fatally shot near Hope Street and Pico Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles on May 30, 2024.
    • The suspects were trying to steal a catalytic converter from Wactor’s car when they opened fire.
    • Anita Joy wrote that she and Wactor cautiously approached the group before questioning them, but one of the suspects shot Wactor in an instant.
    • Wactor died in Anita Joy’s arms after being shot.
  • Accuracy
    • Johnny Wactor died in Anita Joy’s arms after being shot.
    • Three suspects were wearing dark-colored clothing and driving a dark-colored sedan as they fled northbound on Hope Street.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • Johnny Wactor died on May 25, 2023
    • He was killed during a robbery attempt at Level 8 dining and entertainment complex in Downtown Los Angeles
    • Wactor was shot by one of the robbers while leaving work with a coworker named Anita Joy
    • Joy attempted to save Wactor by administering first aid and calling for help
    • A security guard named Bryan also helped administer first aid and called 911
  • Accuracy
    • Johnny Wactor died on May 30, 2024.
    • Three suspects were trying to steal a catalytic converter
    • One of the suspects shot Wactor before fleeing
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • Johnny Wactor was killed by catalytic converter thieves in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday.
    • One of the thieves shot Wactor before fleeing.
    • Catalytic converters contain precious metals including rhodium, palladium, and platinum, making them valuable targets for thieves.
    • Thefts of catalytic converters skyrocketed in California during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased economic distress.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Three suspects were trying to steal a catalytic converter from Wactor's car[
    • The shooting occurred around 3:25 a.m.
    • One of the suspects shot Wactor before fleeing.
    • Wactor was killed by catalytic converter thieves in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Johnny Wactor was shielding Anita Joy when he was shot
    • Three suspects dressed in black clothing and wearing masks attempted to steal the catalytic converter from Wactor’s car before one suspect opened fire on him
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

  • Unique Points
    • Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday.
    • Wactor was shot as he left work early Saturday morning.
    • Three men were trying to steal a catalytic converter when the victim interrupted them.
    • One of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot Wactor before the men drove off in a vehicle.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication