Anita Joy Reveals Johnny Wactor's Courageous Last Stand: A Story of Resilience

Johnny Wactor's coworker, Anita Joy, shared the brave final moments of the 37-year-old who was fatally shot on Saturday, May 25. In an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday, May 29, she remembered the night they finished their bartending shifts at Level 8 in downtown Los Angeles.

As they walked to their cars in the early hours, Anita Joy and Wactor, who had been friends for 8 years, noticed three men trying to steal a car part from Wactor's car.

Joy described the event as happening suddenly, comparing it to a glass of water being tipped over. She explained that despite her efforts to save it, the water just slipped through her fingers and was lost.

Anita Joy shared a post on her social media account. According to her, they approached some men cautiously, initially thinking the car was being towed. They were not a threat, and Johnny remained calm, stating that it was his car and asking them to leave with his hands open in peace.

Joy recounted the terrifying moment when Johnny was shot. She described how he fell back into her arms after hearing the gunshot, exclaiming, "Hunny, you OK?!" Johnny's response was grim, "Nope! Shot!" They both tumbled onto the street, with Joy trying to support his body and calling out for help.

A security guard from Level 8 quickly came to their rescue. He attempted to administer CPR to the General Hospital actor in a bid to save his life.

“It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it,” she wrote. “But my God, he fought to stay.”

'General Hospital' Alum Johnny Wactor's Cause of Death Revealed After Fatal Shooting at 37

Johnny Wactor. Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Joy said that she is “heartbroken and so very angry” but finds solace in that “I was with him and this didn’t happen to him alone.”

She wrote that her only other source of peace would be witnessing the terrible men being held accountable. Joy shared additional memories of Wactor in the caption of her post. He was most recognized for his role as Brando Corbin in General Hospital. She described him as beautiful, incredibly silly, with a strong work ethic and values.

Joy expressed that Johnny possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel special, regardless of their relationship with him. She shared how he affectionately referred to her as 'Anita Bonita', a nickname she cherishes. Joy recalled the impact of his big blue eyes and warm smile, which instantly endeared him to others. She described Johnny as one of the finest individuals she had ever met and expressed gratitude for having him in her life.

Joy requested Level 8 to offer parking for employees working late hours. She emphasized the importance of honoring and respecting Johnny's hard work and dedication towards the company. (We have contacted Level 8 for their response.)

Scarlett Wactor, the mother of Wactor, revealed in an exclusive interview on May 28 that she had a conversation with her son's coworker after his passing.

Scarlett shared, "She was really nice when I talked to her and let me ask questions. She thought the detectives were doing a good job being thorough, which made me feel better."

"I'm relieved he wasn't by himself," she added.

Scarlett said that she wants “justice” for her son. “I don’t want it to be a cold case,” she said.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic loss of Johnny Wactor is a stark reminder of the senseless violence that permeates our society. The account provided by his coworker, Anita Joy, paints a vivid and heartbreaking picture of the events leading up to his untimely death. It highlights the fragility of life and the profound impact that such a senseless act can have on those who knew and loved him. The fact that Wactor was simply trying to protect his property when he was shot makes this crime even more heinous.

It is imperative that justice is served in this case. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice. The family and friends of Johnny Wactor deserve closure, and the community deserves to know that such violence will not be tolerated. Additionally, it is essential that businesses like Level 8 take measures to ensure the safety of their employees, particularly those who work late hours.