LOS ANGELES — Veteran actor James Handy, 81, was fatally stabbed outside a home in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, police said, with the son of his girlfriend charged in the killing.
Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a report of "unknown trouble" at a residence on the 19200 block of Erwin Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday and found Handy unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to the chest, authorities said. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's girlfriend, was arrested at the scene after flagging down officers and telling them he was responsible, according to police. A 911 caller, believed to be Gledhill, reportedly stated words to the effect of having killed "the man of sin," LAPD officials said.
Gledhill was charged with murder on Friday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced. He did not appear at his arraignment, and no plea was entered. Bail was set at $2 million. Details regarding a possible motive remain unclear.
Handy was known for character roles in films including "Top Gun: Maverick," where he played bartender Jimmy, "Jumanji," "The Rocketeer," "Arachnophobia" and "Logan," as well as numerous television appearances in shows such as "NYPD Blue," "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "The Closer."
"I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy," his agent Pam Ellis-Evenas said in a statement to media outlets.
The incident occurred at a home where Handy was in a relationship with Gledhill's mother. Gledhill lived at the residence, police said. Authorities have not released further details about the relationship between the individuals involved.
Handy, born in New York, had a career spanning decades in film and television. He appeared in a variety of genres, often in supporting roles.
Los Angeles police continue to investigate the circumstances of the stabbing. Prosecutors have indicated that Gledhill may undergo a mental competency evaluation before proceedings advance further, according to court filings reported by media.
As of Monday, no additional charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. The Los Angeles County coroner's office has not yet released final autopsy results. Family members and representatives for Handy have not issued public statements beyond the agent's comments.
