Medical examiner confirms stab wound, neck compression in Handy death
Medical examiner confirms Handy died from stab wound and neck compression; Gledhill charged with murder faces mental evaluation and up to life in prison.
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James Handy Death Investigation
Actor James Handy fatally stabbed in Los Angeles in June 2026. Suspect arrested and charged with murder, undergoing mental health evaluation.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jun, 05:01 UTC
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What happened
Actor James Handy fatally stabbed by Michael Gledhill in Los Angeles
James Handy, 81, an actor known for Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, was fatally stabbed on June 3 at a home in Tarzana, Los Angeles. Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's girlfriend Wendy Gledhill, stabbed Handy in the torso and neck. Handy was found in his front yard and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Michael Gledhill charged with murder in James Handy's death
Michael Gledhill, 44, was charged with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife. The charge was filed on June 5 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Gledhill faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted.
Gledhill ordered to mental health court and psychological evaluation
Superior Court Judge John H. Reid ordered that Michael Gledhill be sent to mental health court and undergo psychological evaluations. Another judge will decide whether Gledhill is competent to stand trial. Gledhill did not appear at his June 5 arraignment, and bail was set at $2 million.
Medical Examiner confirms James Handy died from stab wound and neck compression
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that James Handy died as a result of a stab wound to the torso and neck compression. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Gledhill ordered to mental health court and psychological evaluation
At a Friday arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge John H. Reid ordered Michael Gledhill to mental health court and directed that he undergo psychological evaluations. Gledhill did not appear at the arraignment and no plea was entered. His lawyer stated that Gledhill is "unable to assist" in his own defense. Another judge will determine whether Gledhill is competent to stand trial.
Michael Gledhill charged with murder of actor James Handy
Michael Gledhill, 44, was charged with one count of murder on Friday in connection with the stabbing death of actor James Handy. Gledhill is the son of Handy's girlfriend. According to police, Gledhill was arrested after telling officers he was the person they were looking for. A 911 caller had stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."
Gledhill faces up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted
Michael Gledhill's bail was set at $2 million. If convicted of murder, he faces a sentence of up to 26 years to life in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Actor James Handy fatally stabbed in Los Angeles
James Handy, an 81-year-old actor known for roles in "Jumanji" (1995) and "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), was found stabbed in the chest and unconscious outside a home in Tarzana, Los Angeles on Wednesday morning. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Actor James Handy stabbed to death in Tarzana, Los Angeles
James Handy, an 81-year-old actor known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, was fatally stabbed in the chest on June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m. in the 19200 block of Erwin Street in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was found unconscious in the front yard of a residence and pronounced dead at a local hospital.
James Handy had extensive acting career spanning nearly five decades
James Handy, born in New York, had an acting career beginning in 1977 with the film Taps. His filmography included over 150 acting credits. Notable film roles included the bartender in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), the exterminator in Jumanji (1995), a doctor in Logan (2017), and appearances in Arachnophobia (1990), The Rocketeer (1991), The Verdict, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and K-9. On television, he appeared in series including NYPD Blue, Alias (eight episodes as Arthur Devlin), Melrose Place, Beverly Hills 90210, Law & Order, The Young and the Restless, and 9-1-1.
Michael Gledhill arrested for murder of James Handy
Michael Gledhill, 44 years old, was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail on one count of murder in connection with the stabbing death of James Handy. Gledhill is the son of Handy's girlfriend and resides at the location with his mother. Bail was set at $2,000,000.
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2 alternative perspectives
Suspect charged in Handy death ordered for mental evaluation
Suspect ordered to mental health court and psychological evaluation in Handy murder case.
James Handy's Nearly Five-Decade Acting Career Remembered
James Handy's acting career spanned nearly fifty years in film and television.
Suspect arrested in stabbing death of actor James Handy
Suspect arrested in connection with actor James Handy's stabbing death in Tarzana.