Veteran actor James Handy, widely recognised for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, was fatally stabbed at his Tarzana, California home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Suspect Calls 911 to Confess
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Handy, 81, was found in the front yard of his home with a stab wound to the chest. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, was identified as the prime suspect. Authorities said Gledhill called 911 to confess to the killing before police arrived at the scene. In the call, Gledhill reportedly said, “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. Following the incident, police conducted door-to-door inquiries in the neighbourhood.
Handy’s Career Highlights
Handy, a native of New York City, had a long and distinguished career in film and television. His credits include Jumanji, Arachnophobia, Unbreakable, Logan, NYPD Blue, Rizzoli & Isles, Alias, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds. He made his final on-screen appearance in Top Gun: Maverick in 2023.
Investigation Ongoing
The LAPD is continuing its investigation into the stabbing. Neighbours described the area as quiet and expressed shock at the incident. Authorities have called for anyone with information to come forward.
