A judge has determined that a man accused of fatally stabbing actor James Handy is not mentally competent to stand trial. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi ruled Monday that Michael Gledhill, 44, is unable to comprehend the case against him or rationally assist his attorney.
Handy, 81, known for his roles in "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was found stabbed in the chest and unconscious outside the home of Gledhill's mother on June 3. Handy was in a relationship with Gledhill's mother. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Gledhill was arrested at the scene after reportedly telling responding officers, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." Police had been dispatched to the residence following a 911 call.
At Gledhill's scheduled arraignment on June 5, his prosecution was halted, and the case was transferred to a specialized mental health court. Following psychiatric evaluations, that court found him incompetent. Cavalluzzi's ruling on Monday also stated that Gledhill cannot make informed decisions about his medication. The judge ordered that he could be involuntarily medicated for one year, based on a psychiatrist's opinion that medication could significantly improve his mental health.
A hearing concerning Gledhill's long-term placement is scheduled for July 14. Should he be found competent at a later date, his case would proceed to trial.
James Handy was a prolific character actor with a career spanning decades in film and television. His notable film credits include the 1995 movie "Jumanji" and the 2022 blockbuster "Top Gun: Maverick," in which he played a bartender. He also appeared in numerous television crime dramas, such as "NCIS: Los Angeles," "The Closer," and "Cold Case."