Wendy Gledhill, the girlfriend of Hollywood actor James Handy, has spoken out for the first time since her son was accused of killing the 81-year-old.
After Handy was fatally stabbed in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, police arrested his girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill, on suspicion of murder. His mother told TMZ he suffered from mental health issues, including schizophrenia, but had stopped taking his medication last week.
“I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry this happened. I'm still in shock. I still can't comprehend it,” Wendy Gledhill said.
Officers responded Wednesday morning to a home in the Tarzana neighborhood after a 911 caller said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” according to the Los Angeles Police Department. There, they found Handy unconscious in the front yard, suffering from a stab wound to his chest. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Michael Gledhill, 44, flagged down the responding officers and told them “he was the one they were looking for,” police said. He was arrested on one count of murder, and his bail is set at $2 million.
After launching his Hollywood career in 1981, Handy appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows, including Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, according to his IMDB page.
Read MoreTop Gun and Jumanji actor James Handy stabbed to death
James Handy: Hollywood’s ‘finest character actor’ with a dark army past
Key Points
- Hollywood actor James Handy fatally stabbed at Los Angeles home
- Son of Handy's girlfriend arrested on suspicion of murder
- Police reveal eerie 911 call that led them to James Handy
- Veteran character actor had over 150 screen credits to his name
- Footage shows suspect calmly walking outside Handy’s home
What we know so far about James Handy's death
14:31 , Katie HawkinsonHollywood actor James Handy died this week after he was stabbed in Los Angeles, police said. Now, his girlfriend’s son has been accused of killing him.
- Officers found Handy Wednesday morning after an individual called 911 and said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” the Los Angeles Police Department said.
- They discovered Handy unconscious in the front yard of a home in Los Angeles’ Tarzana neighborhood. He was suffering from a stab wound to his chest, police said. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
- His girlfriend’s son, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He lived at the Tarzana home with his mother, according to police.
- After officers discovered Handy, Gledhill flagged them down and said “he was the one they were looking for,” according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
- Wendy Gledhill, the mother of the suspect and Handy’s girlfriend, told TMZ her son struggled with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, but stopped taking his medication last week.
Neighbor describes James Handy murder suspect as 'paranoid'
20:19 , Katie HawkinsonA neighbor who lived near Michael Gledhill, the 44-year-old man accused of killing actor James Handy, described him as “paranoid,” according to The California Post.
“He looked really rugged … he looks like he doesn’t really change his clothes,” she explained.
Police found Handy suffering from a stab wound in the front yard of a Los Angeles home Wednesday morning. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Gledhill lived at the home with his mother, Wendy, who was also Handy’s girlfriend, according to police.
James Handy's girlfriend says she 'still can’t believe it'
20:07 , Katie HawkinsonWendy Gledhill, the girlfriend of actor James Handy and mother of the man accused of killing him, said she’s still in shock over the fatal stabbing.
“I loved James and my son. I still can’t believe it….I can’t believe my son did it,” the 76-year-old told The California Post.
“I’m just trying to make it through one day at a time, a minute at a time,” she said.
James Handy's girlfriend says son accused of murder stopped taking his medication
20:00 , Katie HawkinsonWendy Gledhill, the 76-year-old girlfriend of slain actor James Handy, has spoken out for the first time since her son was accused of killing the 81-year-old.
Gledhill told TMZ her son struggled with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and recently stopped taking his medication.
“They know I loved him so much,” she said of Handy’s family. “I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry this happened. I'm still in shock. I still can't comprehend it.”
Her son, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, was arrested after police found Handy suffering from a stab wound in the front yard of a Los Angeles home on Wednesday. He was booked into the Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of murder.
Actor Robert Davi 'shocked' at James Handy stabbing
19:32 , Katie HawkinsonActor Robert Davi, who starred as FBI Agent Bailey Malone on the crime drama Profiler, paid tribute to James Handy on social media.
The pair worked together on the show, which aired from 1996 to 2000. Handy’s character, Lou Handleman, appeared in seven episodes.
“Shocked and saddened to hear of the murder of James Handy we worked on Profiler together - RIP,” Davi wrote on X.
James Handy was an Army veteran
19:10 , Katie HawkinsonBefore getting his start in Hollywood, James Handy was drafted at age 21 to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
The actor, who police said was fatally stabbed Wednesday, fought alongside the 196th Lightning Brigade in Tây Ninh between August 1966 and July 1967.
“We wound up getting into heavy combat for 27 days we were in the field,” Handy said in a 2013 interview. “It was pretty horrific.
Read more about the 81-year-old’s career below:
James Handy: Top Gun Maverick actor with a dark past
Writer pays tribute to James Handy's 'unforgettable' role in 'The Verdict
18:40 , Katie HawkinsonWriter Jay Bobbin paid tribute to James Handy this morning, recalling his “unforgettable” role in The Verdict (1982).
“Heartbroken to learn about the passing of superb character actor #JamesHandy, unforgettable as a dissatisfied client who confronts his lawyer (Paul Newman) in "The Verdict." Also memorable opposite Tom Cruise, briefly, at the end of "Top Gun: Maverick." May he rest in peace,” Bobbin wrote on X.
Neighbor reacts to news of James Handy's death
18:08 , Katie HawkinsonA man living near the Los Angeles home where James Handy was killed told Fox 11 he was “very upset” to hear about the news.
“Can you imagine? You make it to your old age, you settle down with a partner, and this horrible thing happens,” Jerry Merrill said.
Police discovered Handy suffering from a stab wound outside a home in the Tarzana neighborhood Wednesday morning. Officers arrested 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of his girlfriend, at the scene.
Gledhill lived at the home with his mother, police said.
Watch: Footage shows James Handy murder suspect moments after stabbing
17:54 , Katie HawkinsonNew footage shows the man suspected of killing James Handy outside a Los Angeles home just moments after the incident.
Michael Gledhill was arrested at the scene and booked into a local jail on suspicion of murder.
Unclear whether James Handy and girlfriend's son had prior disputes, police say
17:48 , Katie HawkinsonLos Angeles police told Newsweek there’s no indication as to whether actor James Handy and Michael Gledhill, the 44-year-old accused of killing him, had any disputes prior to Wednesday’s fatal stabbing.
Gledhill has been booked into the Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of murder, according to police. His next court date remains unclear.
James Handy's iconic appearances on '90s TV
17:22 , Katie HawkinsonJames Handy’s film career launched in 1981, and within a decade, he was appearing on iconic TV shows that many are still rewatching today.
His ’90s TV credits included Melrose Place, a soap opera set in Los Angeles that ran from 1992 to 1999, and The X-Files, a cult classic sci-fi series that initially aired between 1993 and 2002.
He also made an appearance on The West Wing, a political drama created by Aaron Sorkin that starred Allison Janney, Martin Sheen and Bradley Whitford.
James Handy's agent praises him as 'talented' and 'humble'
16:51 , Katie HawkinsonJames Handy’s agent praised the actor’s work and explained the 81-year-old was both a client and a friend.
“I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy,” Pam Ellis-Evenas of Ellis Talent Group told The Associated Press.
Handy appeared in a variety of films and TV shows throughout his career, including the 2022 action flick Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise.
James Handy's most notable roles, from 'Top Gun' to 'Jumanji'
16:33 , Katie HawkinsonCharacter actor James Handy appeared in a variety of films throughout his career.
Just four years ago, he appeared in the action movie Top Gun: Maverick, playing a bartender named Jimmy. He also played an exterminator in Jumanji, an iconic fantasy flick from 1995.
Audiences also might remember him from Bird (1988), Arachnophobia (1990), and Suburbicon (2017). Other film credits include The Rocketeer (1991) and Logan (2017).
What we know about suspect in James Handy's murder
16:05 , Katie HawkinsonMichael Gledhill, the 44-year-old son of James Handy’s girlfriend, has been accused of fatally stabbing the actor in Los Angeles.
Officers discovered Handy after someone called 911 and said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Once officers arrived, Gledhill flagged them down and told them “he was the one they were looking for,” police said. He lives with his mother at the Tanzana residence where Handy was found.
Police arrested Gledhill and booked him into the Van Nuys Jail on one count of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.
Officials have yet to release any information about when Gledhill might appear in court. The Independent has requested more information from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.
James Handy praised for role on 'UC: Undercover'
15:45 , Katie HawkinsonAuthor Don Winslow praised James Handy’s work on the procedural drama UC: Undercover in a tribute post shared late Thursday.
“James Handy was a terrific actor and we were honored to have him on UC: Undercover in a recurring role. His performances were always special,” he wrote on X.
Winslow was an executive producer on the show, which ran from 2001 to 2002.
James Handy: Hollywood’s ‘finest character actor’ with a dark army past
15:27 , Lauren MorrisJames Handy, who has died aged 81, spent almost five decades establishing himself as a reliable character actor in Hollywood – taking on small roles in everything from buddy cop comedy K-9 to blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick.
Born in New York City in March 1945, Handy discovered a love for acting after being cast in a series of plays at university, after which he began studying both English and Drama.
Having been urged to pursue acting as a career by his professors, Handy landed his first on-screen role in 1981 – playing Sheriff in 1981 thriller Taps opposite George C Scott, Timothy Hutton and rising stars Tom Cruise and Sean Penn.
However, the start of his career was delayed by a year when Handy was drafted to serve in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Aged just 21, Handy fought alongside the 196 Lightning Brigade in Tây Ninh between August 1966 and July 1967.
Keep reading:
James Handy: Top Gun Maverick actor with a dark past
'No danger to the public': police
15:01 , Katie HawkinsonPolice confirmed there’s “no danger to the public at this time” after the fatal stabbing of James Handy.
Michael Gledhill, the 44-year-old son of Handy’s girlfriend, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. His bail has been set at $2 million.
Police reveal eerie 911 call that led them to James Handy
14:17 , Katie HawkinsonOfficers found James Handy after receiving an eerie 911 call, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” the caller said.
Police said Handy was found unconscious in the yard of a Los Angeles home Wednesday, suffering from a stab wound to his chest. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Neighors say victim and suspect had been overheard arguing night before attack, Fox affiliate reports
13:55 , Joe SommerladAlthough investigators have yet to disclose a motive for the attack on Handy, neighbors have reportedly told local TV station Fox 11 that he and Gledhill had been overheard arguing overnight Tuesday and one resident claimed the latter had been suffering from “delusions” prior to Wednesday’s incident.
The network has also broadcast doorbell camera footage that it said showed the suspect calmly pacing the pavement as he waited for the police to arrive Wednesday morning, before returning to the scene in the company of officers.
Recap: Son of Handy’s girlfriend arrested on suspicion of murder
13:25 , Joe SommerladPolice have arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, following Handy’s death.
Investigators said Gledhill lived at the property with his mother, whom they described as the actor’s girlfriend.
Police said he approached officers responding to the scene and “told them he was the one they were looking for.”
Gledhill was arrested and booked at the Van Nuys jail on suspicion of murder, with his bail set at $2m, according to law enforcement records.
It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. Jail records did not list legal representation for him and messages left with the county public defender’s office were not immediately returned.
Investigators said they believed the stabbing was “an isolated incident” and that there was “no danger to the public at this time”.
No motive for the stabbing was disclosed and police requested anyone with additional information about the incident to get in touch.
In a chilling detail released by the LAPD, the person who first called 911, possibly Gledhill himself, told the dispatcher: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Recap: Hollywood actor James Handy fatally stabbed at Los Angeles home
12:55 , Joe SommerladIf you’re just joining us, we’re covering the death of James Handy, the actor known for roles in films such as Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, who was stabbed to death at his Los Angeles home Wednesday, police said.
The LAPD said officers from its West Valley division responded to a 911 call indicating “unknown trouble” at a property in Tarzana, in San Fernando Valley, at around 9:30 a.m. local time.
They found Handy, 81, unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Shahana Yasmin has a full report.
Top Gun and Jumanji actor James Handy stabbed to death as girlfriend’s son arrested
Watch: Footage shows Handy murder suspect moments after actor stabbed to death
12:25 , Joe Sommerlad‘We were honored to have him’
12:00 , Joe SommerladMore tributes have been paid to James Handy, with writer Don Winslow and entertainment journalist Jay Bobbin paying their respects.
Winslow recalls his “terrific” work on UC: Undercover and Bobbin his “unforgettable” turn in Sidney Lumet’s The Verdict opposite Paul Newman in 1982.
James Handy was a terrific actor and we were honored to have him on UC: Undercover in a recurring role. His performances were always special.
— Don Winslow (@donwinslow) June 5, 2026
James Handy Stabbed To Death: "The Verdict" + ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ & ‘Arachnophobia’ Actor Was 81 https://t.co/x3xiO01GAN via @Deadline
Heartbroken to learn about the passing of superb character actor #JamesHandy, unforgettable as a dissatisfied client who confronts his lawyer (Paul Newman) in "The Verdict." Also memorable opposite Tom Cruise, briefly, at the end of "Top Gun: Maverick." May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Vo0WXRWS9X
— Jay Bobbin (@JayBobbin1) June 5, 2026
In pictures: James Handy in TV and film
11:35 , Joe SommerladThe deceased played many parts in which he made an impact, adding authenticity to everything from The X Files to Logan and Top Gun: Maverick, which proved to be his final appearance.
Obituary: James Handy: Hollywood’s ‘finest character actor’ with a dark army past
11:10 , Joe SommerladHere’s Lauren Moody on the life of a dependable character player who had many small but memorable roles in TV and film across a four-decades career in entertainment.
James Handy: Top Gun Maverick actor with a dark past
Watch: Bloody shirt seen in local media coverage from the scene
10:40 , Joe SommerladTributes paid to ‘truly great actor’ and ‘prince of a man’
10:15 , Joe SommerladScott Alan Smith, professor of Performing Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design, who directed James Handy in a play in 2018, has paid tribute to the actor in a post on Facebook.
“Jim was not only a truly great actor, he was also a prince of a man – kind and generous and giving to his cast and audience,” Smith wrote.
Actress Nancy Lipner recalled working with Handy when he was cast as her father in a play in New York City.
“He was only two or three years older than I, but somehow he brought it off, in large part because he was a terrific character actor and even though, as he told me, not particularly at home in anything resembling classic theatre,” she wrote.
Fans have also been taking to forums like Reddit’s r/movies to remember Handy from his many screen appearances, with one calling him “one of those ‘that guy’ actors I always appreciated.”
Another noted that his “voice was so recognizable that you could pick him out even if you didn’t know his name.”
On the Disney fan site, Days Gone Disney, Handy was remembered as “one of those familiar faces you may not always know by name – but you instantly recognized on screen… He brought authenticity and depth to every performance.
“James Handy helped bring so many stories to life, often in quiet but memorable ways that stayed with audiences long after the credits rolled.”
Comments under the post included one fan saying: “Great actor! Watch his performance in The Verdict, he holds his own in scenes with Paul Newman. Rest in Peace.”
Another wrote: “Such a wonderful man and an iconic actor! Heaven definitely gained an angel.”
Footage shows suspect calmly walking outside Handy’s home
09:50 , Joe SommerladDoorbell camera video first broadcast by Fox News’s L.A. affiliate Fox 11 appears to show the suspect in James Handy’s murder, Michael Gledhill, casually pacing outside the house in which the actor was stabbed as he waited for police to arrive at the scene.
Gledhill, wearing jeans and a light shirt, is seen walking along the sidewalk on Erwin Street in Tarzana before returning with cops, leading them to Handy.
Neighbors reportedly told Fox that the two men had been overheard arguing overnight and one resident claimed Gledhill had been suffering from delusions prior to Wednesday’s incident.
Veteran character actor had over 150 screen credits to his name
09:30 , Joe SommerladHandy worked across film and television for nearly 50 years, accumulating more than 150 screen credits.
Born in New York City in March 1945, Handy worked across film and television for nearly 50 years, accumulating more than 150 screen credits.
He made his debut in 1977 in the ABC daytime drama Ryan’s Hope.
Handy first appeared on the big screen in 1981 and appeared in such well-known movies as Sindy Lumet’s The Verdict (1982), Clint Eastwood’s Charlie Parker biopic Bird (1988), the Jim Belushi cop caper K-9 (1989), the comedy horror Arachnophobia (1990), the period sci-fi fantasy The Rocketeer (1991), Point of No Return (1993), the blockbusters Jumanji (1995) and Unbreakable (2000) and, more recently, Logan and Suburbicon (both 2017).
His final role was in Tom Cruise’s smash hit Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, in which he played Jimmy the bartender opposite Jennifer Connelly.
Back on TV, he made a string of appearances in popular TV shows over the years including Quantum Leap, Murder She Wrote, Melrose Place, NYPD Blue, The X Files, The West Wing, Law and Order and Alias.
Handy’s agent praises ‘talented, humble and gracious’ actor
09:10 , Joe SommerladPam Ellis-Evenas, the actor’s agent, has confirmed his death to The Independent.
“With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.
“I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy.”
Son of Handy’s girlfriend arrested on suspicion of murder
08:55 , Joe SommerladPolice have identified the suspect in Handy’s killing as Michael Gledhill, 44.
Investigators said Gledhill lived at the property with his mother, whom they described as the actor’s girlfriend.
Police said he approached officers responding to the scene and “told them he was the one they were looking for.”
Gledhill was arrested and booked at the Van Nuys jail on suspicion of murder, with his bail set at $2m, according to law enforcement records.
It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. Jail records did not list legal representation for him and messages left with the county public defender’s office were not immediately returned.
Investigators said they believed the stabbing was “an isolated incident” and that there was “no danger to the public at this time”.
No motive for the stabbing was disclosed and police requested anyone with additional information about the incident to get in touch.
In a chilling detail released by the LAPD, the person who first called 911, possibly Gledhill himself, told the dispatcher: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Hollywood actor James Handy fatally stabbed at Los Angeles home
08:45 , Joe SommerladJames Handy, the actor known for roles in films such as Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, was stabbed to death at a Los Angeles home on Wednesday, police said. He was 81.
The Los Angeles police said officers from its West Valley division responded to a 911 call indicating “unknown trouble” at a property in Tarzana, in San Fernando Valley, at around 9.30am local time on Wednesday.
They found Handy unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to his chest. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Shahana Yasmin has this report.
