Michael Gledhill, 44, has been charged with murder after actor James Handy was fatally stabbed outside a Tarzana home in early June. Los Angeles County prosecutors say Gledhill was arrested after calling 911 and being taken to Van Nuys Jail on $2 million bail.
The moment officers arrived in Tarzana, Los Angeles Police say they found actor James Handy in the front yard, unconscious and bleeding from a stab wound to his chest. He was transported to an area hospital and pronounced dead.
Now, prosecutors say the man accused of killing him—Michael Gledhill—has been charged. In a press release issued Friday, June 4, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office said Gledhill, 44, was charged after Handy was fatally stabbed outside a Tarzana home earlier this week.
“This is not how anyone’s life should end. stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home. ” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said via the press release. He added that 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.” Hochman said “Like all murder victims. his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions.”.
Los Angeles Police had confirmed on Thursday, June 4, that they were investigating a stabbing that resulted in Handy’s death.
Police described an unusual path to the arrest. They said the suspect called 911 and told dispatchers. “I am the son of man. I just killed the man of sin.” When officers arrived. police said the suspect flagged down nearby responding officers. telling them he was the one they were looking for. He was then arrested and held on $2 million bail, officials said.
In the district attorney’s release, officials said the suspect was identified as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, a resident of Tarzana. He was transported to Van Nuys Jail and booked for one count of murder. Information about Gledhill’s legal representation was not immediately available.
Officials also said Gledhill lives at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend. Detectives believe the incident is isolated and that there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.
While the case moves through the courts. Wendy Gledhill—identified as James Handy’s girlfriend and Michael Gledhill’s mother—spoke publicly for the first time on Friday. “I’m just trying to make it through one day at a time. a minute at a time. ” the 76-year-old told The California Post. She said. “I loved James and my son.” Before stepping inside her Tarzana home. she began to add. “I can’t believe my son did it. I’m just trying to … ” and then entered.
In comments to TMZ, Wendy said her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia and that he had stopped taking his medication amid mental health struggles.
Handy, who was 81, was killed on Wednesday, June 3. His spokesperson confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the person attacked and killed was the actor James Handy.
With 150 acting credits to his name, Handy was known for roles in Jumanji, NYPD Blue, Beverly Hills, 90210, Law & Order; Profiler, The Young and the Restless, 9-1-1 and more.
Prosecutors say the charge now brings the investigation into a new phase—one in which the stakes shift from emergency response and grief to accountability in court.
Michael Gledhill James Handy charged with murder Tarzana stabbing Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman Los Angeles Police Van Nuys Jail Wendy Gledhill Top Gun: Maverick