The final moments of actor James Handy, 81, have been detailed in a coroner's report following his alleged stabbing death on June 3. Handy, known for his roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and numerous television crime procedurals, was reportedly attacked outside a Tarzana, Los Angeles home by Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's girlfriend of 31 years.
According to the Medical Examiner's report, Handy and Gledhill engaged in a verbal altercation on the front porch. Gledhill then allegedly mounted Handy, dragged him to the side of the house, retrieved what appeared to be a knife from inside, and returned to stab Handy.
Handy sustained a stab wound to the torso and "neck compression" during the assault. Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Handy to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:48 a.m. The report also noted that Handy suffered multiple rib fractures. Security footage from a neighboring house reportedly showed Gledhill walking down the sidewalk with bloody clothing nearby shortly after the incident.
Gledhill was arrested after he flagged down responding officers and stated he was the person they were looking for. He later allegedly told police, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has charged Gledhill with one count of murder, with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon. Gledhill faces up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted. Bail was set at $2 million.
In court, Gledhill's attorney stated his client is "unable to assist" in his defense, and Superior Court Judge John H. Reid ordered Gledhill to undergo psychological evaluations in mental health court to determine his competency for trial. He was subsequently committed to the California Department of State Hospitals, with officials to determine his housing and treatment facility by August 11. His maximum commitment date is set for July 14, 2028.
Actor Brian Delate, a friend of Handy's for over four decades, told The Associated Press that Handy had occasionally mentioned his girlfriend's son was having mental health problems, but did not elaborate on the severity.
Handy, born in New York, had a prolific career spanning decades. His film credits include "Jumanji" (1995), "Logan" (2017), "Arachnophobia," "The Rocketeer," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "The Verdict," and "K-9." He was most recently seen as bartender Jimmy in "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022). His television appearances include "NCIS: Los Angeles," "The Closer," "Cold Case," and "CSI: NY."