James Handy, the 81-year-old character actor known for roles in Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, was found stabbed outside his Los Angeles home Wednesday and later died from his injuries. Michael Gledhill, 44, has been charged with his murder.
Police discovered Handy unconscious with a chest wound outside his residence. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Gledhill, who lives with his mother, allegedly confessed to the killing after police arrived at the scene, telling officers he was the person they were searching for.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a 911 caller had stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." Gledhill was arrested at the scene.
The suspect was ordered held on $2 million bail following a Friday arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court. Judge John H Reid declined to set a trial date, instead directing Gledhill to mental health court for psychological evaluations. A second judge will later determine whether Gledhill is competent to stand trial. Gledhill did not appear in court Friday, though no reason was given by the sheriff's department for his absence.
Gledhill's attorney, Javier Trincado, did not offer details about his client's condition or defense strategy. No plea has been entered.
Handy had a long career in television and film spanning decades. Born in New York, he appeared in numerous crime procedurals including NCIS: Los Angeles, The Closer, and Cold Case. His film work included the 1995 adventure comedy Jumanji, where he played an exterminator, and the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, in which he portrayed a bartender named Jimmy.
His talent agent expressed admiration for the actor following his death. "I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy," said Pam Ellis-Evenas of the Ellis Talent Group.
The motivation for the stabbing remains unclear, though court documents indicate Gledhill's mother was in a relationship with Handy at the time of his death.
Author James Rodriguez: "A senseless loss of a seasoned pro whose steady presence enriched countless television hours."
Comments