Actor James Handy's Girlfriend's Son Charged with Murder After Stabbing

Michael Gledhill, 44, faces a murder charge in connection with the stabbing death of actor James Handy, 81. Handy, known for his roles in "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was reportedly in a relationship with Gledhill's mother. Police discovered Handy stabbed in the chest and unconscious outside a Los Angeles home on Wednesday. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

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This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home.

Gledhill did not appear for his arraignment on Friday afternoon in Los Angeles Superior Court, and no plea was entered on his behalf. His attorney, Javier Trincado, informed the judge that Gledhill is "unable to assist" in his defense. The sheriff's department did not bring Gledhill to the courtroom, and no reason was provided for his absence.

Superior Court Judge John H. Reid has ordered Gledhill to mental health court for psychological evaluations. A subsequent decision will be made by another judge regarding his competency to stand trial. Authorities stated that Gledhill was arrested after identifying himself to police as the individual they were seeking. The department reported that a 911 caller had stated, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

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I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized that Handy deserved to live out his final years peacefully and that the perpetrator must be held accountable. "This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home," Hochman stated. Handy, a veteran character actor, appeared in numerous films and television shows over several decades. He was recognized for his role as an exterminator in the 1995 film "Jumanji" and as bartender Jimmy in the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick." His television credits include appearances in popular crime dramas such as "NCIS: Los Angeles," "The Closer," and "Cold Case."

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unable to assist