Friends and family of actor Johnny Wactor rallied in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, demanding justice for his killing and urging city leaders to take action.
Michael Parker, a longtime friend of Wactor, organized the rally. He told KNX News’ Craig Fiegener that they not only want Wactor’s killers to be caught, but they’re demanding safer streets.
“We want our city leaders to step up to the task and lead us. We can get the job done, but first we have to admit there's a problem,” he said. “We can't walk around acting like everything is okay because it's not. Our friend was killed in the streets a few blocks down. It's not Okay. It's not safe.”
Wactor’s brother, Grant, told the crowd he and his family want changes to be made for Wactor’s friends.
“Me and my family, we don't live here. But Johnny's friends -- Johnny has roots here. Johnny still has roots here and will continue to have roots here. So we want it to be a safer city for them,” he said.
Wactor was gunned down on May 25 near Hope St. and Pico Blvd.
by catalytic converter thieves. Wactor and his co-worker were walking to their cars when they saw a man near Wactor’s car. His co-worker, Anita Joy, told KNX News the 37-year-old approached one of the thieves, thinking his car was being towed. Then Wactor was shot. The shooter got into a nearby car and fled.
Wactor was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.
He was best known for his role in “General Hospital.” He also appeared in "Westworld," "The OA," "NCIS," "Station 19," and "Criminal Minds,” according to IMDB.
A GoFundMe page was created for Wactor's family. As of Tuesday, it’s raised more than $133,000.
Anyone with information about the suspects was urged to call the LAPD's Central Station at 213-486-6606. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.