Story perspectives

Actor James Handy Killed; Girlfriend’s Son Charged, Bail Set

6/6/2026

Summary

Michael Gledhill Charged

Police found 81-year-old actor James Handy dead after a chest stabbing in the front yard of a Tarzana home.
Investigators identified 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of James Handy’s girlfriend, as the suspect.
Michael Gledhill flagged down officers, was charged with murder, received $2 million bail, and was placed in Van Nuys Jail.
Judge John H. Reid ordered Michael Gledhill to mental health court for competency evaluations.

Summary

Handy Killed

Actor Handy was killed, following the late-2025 double murder of director Rob Reiner and raising alarm in Hollywood.
His 50-year career yielded 150 credits, including bartender Jimmy in Top Gun: Maverick and the exterminator in 1995’s Jumanji.
Professor Scott Alan Smith called Handy a great actor and a prince of a man.
Actress Nancy Lipner praised his generosity and ability to play a father despite a small age gap.

Summary

Detectives Investigate

Detective Simonyan and Detective Lopez of LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Valley Bureau are heading the investigation.
The suspect was booked as 7251867 at Van Nuys Jail with bail set at $2 million.
Police released crime-scene photos showing discarded clothing outside the Tarzana home.
Authorities asked the public to call LA Regional Crime Stoppers, noting no motive has been released.
Officials said the murder appears isolated and poses no further threat to the neighborhood.

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Michael Gledhill Charged

Police found 81-year-old actor James Handy dead after a chest stabbing in the front yard of a Tarzana home.
Investigators identified 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of James Handy’s girlfriend, as the suspect.
Michael Gledhill flagged down officers, was charged with murder, received $2 million bail, and was placed in Van Nuys Jail.
Judge John H. Reid ordered Michael Gledhill to mental health court for competency evaluations.

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