A Los Angeles man has been charged with murder after authorities say veteran actor James Handy was fatally stabbed outside a Tarzana home earlier this week.
Tarzana, Calif. – A Southern California man is facing a murder charge in connection with the fatal stabbing of actor James Handy, who was found critically injured in the front yard of a Tarzana residence and later died at a hospital, prosecutors announced Friday.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Michael Gledhill, 44, has been charged with one count of murder and a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon, a knife.
Key Points
• James Handy, 81, died after being stabbed outside a Tarzana home.
• Michael Gledhill has been charged with murder and a weapon enhancement.
• Prosecutors say Gledhill faces up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted.
According to prosecutors, Los Angeles police responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. When officers arrived, they discovered Handy suffering from a stab wound and lying in the front yard of a residence.
Character actor James Handy was known for roles in blockbuster films like Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji.
A complete look at his filmography highlights several additional major movies:
- Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as Bartender (Jimmy)
- Suburbicon (2017) as Mayor Billings
- Logan (2017) as Old Doctor
- Unbreakable (2000)
- Jumanji (1995) as Carl Bentley
- The Rocketeer (1991)
- Arachnophobia (1990) as Milton Briggs
- K-9 (1989) and K-911 (1999) as Byers
- Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986)
- The Verdict (1982) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Handy, 81, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
District attorney condemns killing
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the circumstances surrounding Handy’s death as tragic and senseless.
“This is not how anyone’s life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home,” Hochman said. “The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about.”
“Like all murder victims, his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions,” Hochman added.
Suspect arrested and charged
Authorities said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, who had been dating Handy.
Gledhill was arrested following the incident and is expected to be arraigned in Department 100 of the Van Nuys Courthouse. Prosecutors are recommending bail be set at $2.02 million.
If convicted as charged, Gledhill faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney George Morris of the Family Violence Division. The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.
