In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Anita Joy, the female co-worker who was being walked to her car by Johnny Wactor as the former “General Hospital” star came upon thieves attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his truck, has opened up about the events leading up to and following the tragic death of the beloved actor. Joy and Wactor worked the bartending shift Friday night at the Level 8 bar in downtown Los Angeles.
“I’ve needed to take some time to collect myself and my thoughts. I was with Johnny in his last moments and I’m here to be his voice after such unimaginable events,” said Joy, who shared several photos of Wactor working alongside his colleagues, and what may be the final media record of him before he died during the early morning hours on Saturday, May 25.
“I’ve needed a few days to collect myself before saying anything here, but I need to share his story, the support for his family and the incredible loss that a lot of us are feeling. I have started and stopped so many times with what I want to say, writing over the details of everything, then ending it all together because it’s just too much,” wrote Joy in a text image published within the thread. “There has been a lot within myself of ‘what to and what not to” share about this – but the reality is, I have a responsibility to Johnny. I am his voice now because otherwise he would have possibly been alone and he wasn’t. He was killed senselessly by a coward who reacted without care of the gorgeous life he was taking. So I’m angry, I’m sad and I’m all of the feeling at once…but above all, I am here for Johnny’s justice.
“My friend of 8 years went from laughing together, working side by side, leaving our bartending shift and walking to our cars, to him dying in my arms in the streets of DTLA in the dark hours of 3am,” Joy continued in a separate text image within the thread. “There are plenty of articles out now with the basic details of this horrific story which comes down to a few criminals trying to steal a car part and all they took was my friend’s life. Everything happened in an instant, I’ve come to describe it as a glass water that gets tipped over and you’re scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone.”
“We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed. 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,” Joy said, describing the details leading up to the shooting. “Johnny was between me and the man who shot him – as I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and 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.”
Continuing to describe the situation as it happened in the text thread, Joy said, “One of our security guards from work was crossing the street shortly after and ran to us with 911 on the phone – we tied my denim jacket around him to stop the bleeding and Bryan proceeded to try CPR on him.” She added, “I’m so thankful for Bryan showing up, trying with all his might to save Johnny. It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it but my god, he fought to stay. 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.”
In the caption of her Instagram post, Joy wrote of Wactor:
“Johnny had this incredible ability that was truly just his genuine nature – to make anyone and everyone feel so special in his eyes. No matter how well you knew him, he treated everyone like he truly cared about you. He lit up any room – you couldn’t not smile around him. His energy was magnetic and pulled you in so effortlessly – you were safe with him. He treated everyone with love, respect, compassion and he really “saw” you. He was beautiful, goofy as hell, full of work ethic and values, he never put people down, even when joking, he never made you feel unsure of yourself – he knew how to be hilarious in such a positive way and it just made him that much more lovable. It just filled your heart to be around him. He called me ‘Anita Bonita’ and I hope the stamp of his voice saying that every time I saw him never leaves my memory. Just one look into his big blue eyes, followed by a big goofy grin, Johnny made you love him instantly. Absolutely one of the best men I’ve ever known. I’m so grateful to have been a part of his world and him, mine.”
In addition to sharing details of Wactor’s final moments, Joy pointed out that the Level 8 bar had previously promised to provide some form of parking for their staff, particularly those working the late shift. She also asked for the bar to contribute in some way to Wactor’s family, and to honor and respect him for “all the hard work and effort he did for them.”
She closed out her post saying, “My heart is shattered with his loss but I believe l have gained the best guardian Angel out there. I love you Johnny Wacky.”
For anyone hoping to contribute to the GoFundMe created by Wactor’s godmother, Michaelle Kinard, to support Johnny’s family, click here.
As noted by Deadline, Anyone with information regarding the shooting death of Johnny Wactor is urged to contact LAPD Detectives Gonzales or Martinez at Central Bureau Homicide at (213) 996-4142. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go to http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.