Actor James Handy Stabbed to Death in LA; Son Charged With Murder, June 07

Actor James Handy, 81, known for roles in “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” was found stabbed in the chest outside his home in Los Angeles on June 3 and later died at the hospital. Police arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, and charged him with murder. Gledhill was ordered to undergo psychological evaluations before trial.

How the Stabbing Happened

Los Angeles police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday morning after someone stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” Officers found Handy unconscious with a stab wound to the chest outside his home in Tarzana. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.

Gledhill flagged down police as they arrived and told officers he was the person they were looking for. He was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of one count of murder.

Mental Health Issues and Medication

Gledhill’s mother, Wendy Gledhill, told media outlets that her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025. She said he had stopped taking his medication about one week before Handy was killed. Gledhill lives at home with his mother.

At his arraignment on Friday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered Gledhill sent to mental health court and directed him to undergo psychological evaluations. Another judge will decide whether he is competent for trial.

Bail and Legal Representation

Bail was set at $2 million for Gledhill. His lawyer, Javier Trincado, was assigned to represent him. At the arraignment, Trincado told the judge that the sheriff’s department decided Gledhill should not be brought to the courtroom but did not provide a reason.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement: “This is not how anyone’s life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home.”

Handy’s Acting Career

Handy was born in New York and started acting in the 1970s. He appeared in scores of films and television shows over his decades-long career. He was known for playing an exterminator in the 1995 film “Jumanji” and bartender Jimmy in the 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick.” He also appeared in crime dramas including “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “The Closer,” and “Cold Case.”

His talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas from the Ellis Talent Group, said: “I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy.”

Final Thoughts

Michael Gledhill, 44, faces a murder charge in the death of veteran actor James Handy. The case is now in mental health court, where evaluations will determine if Gledhill is competent to stand trial.

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