Actor James Handy Fatally Stabbed in Tarzana
James Handy death investigation
Veteran character actor James Handy, known for his roles in blockbusters such as “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Jumanji,” was killed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following a stabbing at a residence in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles.
He was 81 years old. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call regarding “unknown trouble” at a home in the 19200 block of Erwin Street around 9:30 a.m.. Upon arrival, they discovered Handy in the front yard, suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Despite being transported to a local hospital by paramedics, the actor was pronounced dead.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, was taken into custody after flagging down officers at the scene and identifying himself as the person they were looking for. According to authorities, Gledhill resided at the home with his mother, who was in a relationship with the victim. Prior to the arrival of law enforcement, a 911 call was placed in which the caller allegedly stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin”. Gledhill has been booked on a charge of murder with his bail set at $2 million.
Handy maintained a prolific career as a character actor that spanned four decades, with credits across numerous films and television series. His final big-screen appearance was in the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” where he portrayed a bartender. His extensive filmography includes notable roles in “Arachnophobia,” “The Rocketeer,” and “Jumanji,” where he played an exterminator. His television work included appearances on shows such as “NYPD Blue,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Law & Order,” and “9-1-1”. Detectives from the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division are continuing their investigation into the incident, which they have described as an isolated occurrence with no ongoing threat to the public. You can read more about the ongoing investigation into the case here.
