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Tarzana Man Arrested for Stabbing 81-Year-Old Neighbor

6/6/2026

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Summary

Gledhill Arrested

Police arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, on suspicion of murdering James Handy, 81.
A 911 call on June 3, 2026, in Tarzana reported saying, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Officers found Handy with stab wound, took him to hospital, and pronounced him dead.
Gledhill, living with Handy’s girlfriend, told police he was suspect and was booked on a murder count with US$2 million bail.

Summary

Gledhill Apologizes

District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the deadly-weapon allegation could raise the maximum penalty for the stabbing of James Handy to 26 years in prison.
Wendy Gledhill, the suspect’s mother, said she loved James Handy, apologized to his family and called the loss overwhelming.
Neighbors told Fox 11 they overheard an argument between Gledhill and Handy the night before the stabbing and said Gledhill seemed delusional.

History

Historical Context

California’s reliance on high bail began with O.J. Simpson’s 1994 murder case, where a judge set bail at $125,000 after his arrest. The pattern reappeared in June 2026 when Tarzana police detained Michael Gledhill for stabbing 81-year-old James Handy. Both incidents show the state’s enduring use of steep bail and weapon-enhanced charges to deter violent crime.

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Gledhill Arrested

Police arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, on suspicion of murdering James Handy, 81.
A 911 call on June 3, 2026, in Tarzana reported saying, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Officers found Handy with stab wound, took him to hospital, and pronounced him dead.
Gledhill, living with Handy’s girlfriend, told police he was suspect and was booked on a murder count with US$2 million bail.

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