In a shocking turn of events, legendary comedian and car collector Jay Leno has publicly criticized the lenient penalties for stealing catalytic converters, following the tragic murder of General Hospital star Johnny Wactor. Leno expressed his outrage at the misdemeanor charge and fine of up to $1,000, which he deemed a mere "slap on the wrist" for perpetrators.

Johnny Wactor, aged 37, was leaving a side job at a rooftop bar on May 25 in downtown Los Angeles when he was confronted by three men attempting to steal his catalytic converter. Mistaking them for tow truck operators, Wactor tragically lost his life when he was fatally shot by the thieves, who then fled the scene in a separate vehicle. The masked suspects have not yet been identified or described.

Leno addressed his concerns to TMZ, emphasizing that the light penalty for stealing catalytic converters was outrageous and contributed to the boldness of thieves. Catalytic converters are attractive targets for criminals due to the presence of precious metals such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum. Experts estimate that thieves can make anywhere between $25 to $300 for a standard converter and up to $1,400 from hybrid vehicles.

Wactor's car, a Toyota Prius, was targeted due to the high demand for its catalytic converter. In California, stealing converters is considered a misdemeanor if the value of the stolen property is less than $950, leading to the targeting of specific vehicles. It is important to note that driving without a catalytic converter is illegal and can potentially cause engine issues.

Leno also cautioned against car owners removing their own catalytic converters, as they may face significant fines. In terms of catalytic converter thefts, California leads the nation with Texas coming in second. In the past year alone, nearly 15,000 catalytic converters were stolen in the state, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter theft include the Ford F-150, Ford Explorer, Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota Tacoma, Kia Soul, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet Cruze.

Johnny Wactor's murder has shed light on the need for stricter penalties and increased security measures to combat the rampant theft of catalytic converters. As the investigation to apprehend the suspects continues, authorities and communities are urged to work together to ensure justice for the victims and put an end to these brazen crimes.