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, released a video expressing her devastation and calling for change.
“The person who did this, if you’re watching, sorry, but you shot the wrong guy,” Farrell stated 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 express sadness over the state of crime in Los Angeles and emphasized the need for legislation to prevent such incidents.
“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.
Last year, Los Angeles County implemented a zero bail policy, arguing 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.
Truth Voices 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. One of them opened fire on him. All three were wearing dark clothing.
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 noted, appeared in 164 episodes of the popular soap opera “General Hospital” between 2020 and 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 like murder, rape, and aggravated assaults have declined over the past few months, both violent crime and property crime are still increasing in Los Angeles County.
In 2023, there was a 17% reduction in homicides compared to 2022, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. However, property crime increased by 3.5% over the prior year, and thefts citywide, including retail theft cases, were up 16%, KTLA reported. Additionally, officials reported 137 flash mob robberies throughout the city in 2023.
