(NewsNation) — After “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor was shot and killed by three suspects attempting to steal his catalytic converter over the weekend, his former fiancée, Tessa Farrell, put out a video expressing devastation and calling for change.
“The person who did this, if you’re watching, sorry, but you shot the wrong guy,” Farrell said in a video on Instagram. “You can get a real job. … It’s hard, but we’re all in it together. You don’t have to steal, you know? Especially take a life over it.”
Farrell went on to say that it’s sad that crime in Los Angeles has reached this point and that legislation is needed to prevent it from happening again.
“These criminals can’t keep being on the street, and they can’t keep being sent back and have no repercussions for their actions,” Farrell said.
NewsNation local affiliate KTLA reports that investigators believe Wactor had ended his bartending shift early Saturday and was walking to his vehicle when he was confronted by three suspects who had raised the car with a jack, and one of them opened fire on him. All three were wearing dark clothing.
Wactor was reportedly shielding a co-worker from the gunfire.
Farrell told NewsNation host Ashleigh Banfield that Wactor’s family has asked for privacy as the investigation evolves.
“I will say that he was a very kind, humble, giving man,” Farrell said on “Banfield.” “I will forever remember him as a rising star and his death will be brought to justice. We will find these killers.”
Los Angeles County implemented a zero bail policy last year, saying that cash bail discriminates against minorities and the poor. This policy allows some suspects accused of nonviolent or nonserious crimes to be cited and released when they might previously have been on bond.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests had been made. Those with information can call the LAPD at 213-996-4142 or, if they want to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Wactor, KTLA wrote, was in 164 episodes of the popular soap opera “General Hospital” from 2020 to 2022 and also appeared in “Westworld” and “Criminal Minds.”
Calling Wactor a “bright soul,” Farrell said in her Instagram video that Wactor “loved everyone so much.” “He was so selfless,” she said. “He will forever be a huge part of my journey as a human being.”
Los Angeles Crime Statistics
While some violent crimes such as murder, rape and aggravated assaults have declined over the past few months, both violent crime and property crimes in total are still increasing in Los Angeles County.
In 2023, there was a 17% reduction in homicides as compared to 2022, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. However, property crime increased 3.5% over the prior year, and thefts citywide, including retail theft cases, were up 16%, KTLA wrote. In addition, officials reported 137 flash mob robberies throughout the city in 2023.
NewsNation local affiliate KTLA contributed to this report.
