James Handy, renowned for his role in Top Gun Maverick, has tragically died after allegedly being stabbed outside his Los Angeles residence. The suspect is reportedly his girlfriend’s son.
Michael Gledhill, aged 44, now faces a murder charge in connection with the death of the esteemed 81-year-old actor, which occurred on June 3. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the development in a recent statement.
James Handy Was Found Unconscious in Front of His Home After 911 Call
The police were alerted to the incident following a 911 call reporting “unknown trouble” at a Tarzana residence located on the 19200 block of Erwin Street.
The caller, who is alleged to have been Gledhill, reportedly told authorities, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” according to police statements.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Handy—celebrated for his roles in films like Arachnophobia and Jumanji—lying in the front yard. He was found unconscious with a stab wound to the chest, as reported by the police.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Gledhill—identified by police as the son of Handy’s girlfriend—allegedly flagged down officers to tell them that, according to the statement, “he was the one they were looking for.”
Gledhill was arrested and taken to the Van Nuys Jail, where he is being held on a $2 million bond, police said. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
Police did not provide a motive for the stabbing, but described it as an “isolated incident,” adding that there was no ongoing danger to the public.
James Handy’s Talent Agent Confirms Death
Handy’s talent agent Pam Ellis-Evenas shared news of the actor’s death, telling NBC News in a statement, “With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.”
The veteran actor was born in New York City and began performing in the late 1970s, appearing in numerous television and film roles over the years. His last role was as the bartender Jimmy in 2022’s Top Gun Maverick.