Hollywood icon James Handy brutally stabbed to death

Veteran actor James Handy, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, was fatally stabbed at his home in Tarzana, California, on Wednesday, June 3.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Handy, 81, was discovered in the front yard of his residence suffering from a stab wound to the chest.

He was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police identified Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, as the prime suspect. Authorities said Gledhill called 911 to confess to the killing before law enforcement arrived at the scene. In the call, Gledhill reportedly told dispatchers, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

Gledhill was arrested and charged with one count of murder. He is being held at Van Nuys Jail with bail set at $2 million. Law enforcement also carried out door-to-door inquiries in the neighbourhood following the incident.

Handy, a native of New York City, had a career spanning decades, with supporting roles in blockbuster films and popular television series. His credits include Jumanji, Arachnophobia, Unbreakable, Logan, NYPD Blue, Rizzoli & Isles, Alias, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds. His final on-screen appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick in 2023.

The LAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Neighbours described the area as quiet and were reportedly shocked by the violent incident.