The soap opera world has been shaken by the loss of several stars who died too soon. Actors like Alec Musser, David Gail, and Billy Miller left fans stunned after their unexpected deaths. When news of Miller’s death broke in September 2023, several celebrities took to social media to pay tribute.

Grant Wactor told the Daily Mail in May that Johnny had been trying to protect his coworker when he was shot. “We’re Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself,” Grant explained. “He came across them and he thought his truck was being towed. So he said something to the guys, like, ‘Hey, are you towing?’ And then once he turned around, he saw what was happening and he put his coworker behind him. And that’s when they shot him.”

The coroner’s report revealed that Johnny died from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was 37.

Months went by before the perpetrators were arrested on Thursday, August 15.

Johnny’s mother, Scarlett Wactor, expressed her gratitude for the arrests, saying it was a “great birthday present for Johnny,” who would have turned 38 on August 31. Scarlett is hoping for a federal trial and a stronger penalty for the suspects.

As the case continues to unfold, Scarlett will focus on her son’s legacy. She plans to celebrate Johnny’s birthday in his hometown of Summerville, South Carolina, with his close friends, playing board games, cooking food, and having cake.

Scarlett recalled how Johnny would bring his friends together, playing games and reminiscing. Although she misses the laughter, Scarlett plans to “do the best we can to tell stories and laugh instead of being sad that I can’t hug and kiss him.”