Girlfriend Speaks After Son Charged in Actor Killing

After Top Gun: Maverick star James Handy was stabbed and died at his Los Angeles home, his girlfriend’s son Michael Gledhill was arrested and charged with murder. Wendy Gledhill says her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025, stopped taking his med

By Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, the front yard had become the last place James Handy would be seen alive.

He was 81, unconscious when law enforcement arrived at his home after a call tied to the suspect, Michael Gledhill—described by dispatch audio as the son of James’ girlfriend. The 911 call reported “unknown trouble,” and included a chilling line: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

Officers found Handy with a stab wound to the chest. He was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.

Gledhill was arrested and charged with one count of murder. with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon—a knife. If convicted, he faces up to 26 years to life in state prison. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a press release after the arrest: “This is not how anyone’s life should end. stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home. The victim 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.”.

Now, Wendy Gledhill—Michael’s mother—has spoken out. She said her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025. According to Wendy, he became increasingly paranoid after the diagnosis and was prescribed medication. She claims she recently learned that about a week before James’ murder, Michael stopped taking his medication.

Police have not confirmed whether Michael had any mental health issues at that time.

One of Wendy’s neighbors. Joheina Quibol. backed parts of the claim. telling The California Post that Michael sometimes acted bizarre and “paranoid.” Quibol said she thought he may have struggled with mental health issues and recalled details of what she saw in daily life. including that he “looks really rugged” and “he looks like he doesn’t really change his clothes.” She also described an earlier. unsettling interaction involving her father. She said Michael came over and asked her father about the cameras inside the house.

Wendy said Michael and James “didn’t always see eye to eye,” but that their relationship was generally cordial. She then addressed James’ family, her voice breaking as she tried to process what happened.

“They know I loved him so much. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry this happened. I’m still in shock. I still can’t comprehend it.”

In a statement to The California Post, Wendy added: “I’m just trying to make it through one day at a time, a minute at a time. I loved James and my son. I still can’t believe it… I can’t believe my son did it. I’m just trying to …”

When asked by TMZ whether Michael should spend the rest of his life in prison, Wendy responded that he shouldn’t be anywhere where he could hurt someone else.

For now, the case continues in the criminal justice system. Michael Gledhill is being held on $2 million bail, and his future—whether he remains behind bars for years, or faces a different outcome—will be decided as proceedings move forward.

James Handy Top Gun: Maverick Michael Gledhill Wendy Gledhill schizophrenia bail murder charge Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stabbing