LOS ANGELES — The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran character actor James Handy, 81, who was fatally stabbed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at a residence in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The Incident

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. at a home on Erwin Street. According to authorities, the caller later identified as 44 year-old Michael Gledhill—made a disturbing confession during the emergency call, stating, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

Upon arrival, officers discovered Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to the chest. He was rushed to a local hospital by paramedics, where he was pronounced dead. Gledhill, the son of Handy's girlfriend, reportedly flagged down responding officers and identified himself as the person they were looking for. He was subsequently arrested and booked on suspicion of murder, with his bail set at $2 million.

Legal Proceedings

On Friday, June 5, Michael Gledhill was officially charged with murder. During an arraignment in Los Angeles Superior Court, a judge ordered Gledhill to be transferred to mental health court for psychological evaluations to determine his competency to stand trial. Gledhill faces a potential sentence of up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted.

A Storied Career

James Handy was a highly respected character actor with a career spanning over five decades. Known for his versatility and humbleness, he appeared in more than 150 film and television roles since the 1970s.

Notable credits include:

  • Film: Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Logan (2017), Jumanji (1995), The Verdict (1982), and Arachnophobia(1990).

  • Television: Appearances in numerous acclaimed crime dramas, including NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, The Closer, Cold Case, Alias, and NYPD Blue.

Friends and colleagues have described Handy, a Vietnam veteran, as a kind, generous, and funny individual.His death has sent shockwaves through the acting community, with many remembering him as a dedicated professional who brought depth and humanity to every supporting role he played.