Anita Joy, a close friend and co-worker of the late "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor, has shared chilling details about the tragic shooting that took his life. In an emotional Instagram post, she described the senseless violence that unfolded as they witnessed a car theft in downtown Los Angeles.
On May 25, after finishing a bartending shift at Level 8 in downtown Los Angeles, Johnny Wactor and his co-worker Anita Joy were walking to their cars when they noticed suspicious activity.
"We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed," Joy wrote in her Instagram post. "We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace."
As the situation escalated, one of the individuals opened fire, fatally wounding Wactor. Joy described the horrifying moment:
"Johnny was between me and the man who shot him," she continued. "As I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms. As I grabbed for him, I shouted ‘Hunny you ok?!’ And he only responded, ‘Nope! Shot!’ We toppled onto the street where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me."
The bar's security guard, who was crossing the street at the time, rushed over and dialed 911. They applied first aid to Wactor, but his injuries were too severe.
"It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay," Joy wrote. "I am utterly heartbroken and so very angry. My only peace is that I was with him and this didn’t happen to him alone – my only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice."
Wactor, who played Brando Corbin on "General Hospital" for 164 episodes from 2020 to 2022, was known for his magnetic personality and unwavering compassion.
"His energy was magnetic and pulled you in so effortlessly – you were safe with him," Joy wrote. "He treated everyone with love, respect, compassion and he really ‘saw’ you. He was beautiful, goofy as hell, full of work ethic and values."
The coroner's office has confirmed that Wactor's death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the chest. The LAPD is actively investigating the case, and three suspects are believed to be involved.
"Los Angeles Police Department, Central Area officers responded to a radio call of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Shooting in the 1200 block of Hope Street," according to a press release. "Upon officers’ arrival they discovered the victim, identified as 37-year-old John William Wactor, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD or L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
In the wake of Wactor's tragic death, Joy has expressed her determination to seek justice and honor his memory.
"I love you Johnny Wacky," she concluded in her Instagram post. "I’m so grateful to have been a part of his world and him, mine. My heart is shattered with his loss but I believe l have gained the best guardian Angel out there."
