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LA Judge Declares Murder Suspect Incompetent, Orders Medication

6/24/2026

Summary

Judge Orders Medication

Los Angeles Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi ruled on June 22 that Michael Gledhill is incompetent to stand trial and ordered involuntary medication for up to one year.
Gledhill, 44, faces a murder count with an allegation of using a weapon in the killing of 81-year-old actor James Handy.
A 911 caller said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” prompting a hearing set for July 14.

Summary

Gledhill Bail

$2 million bail was set when Michael Gledhill was booked on suspected murder at Van Nuys Jail.
Police said Michael Gledhill flagged down Valley officers and identified himself as suspect.
Michael Gledhill lives with his mother, who is James Handy’s girlfriend, in Tarzana.
Deputy Public Defenders Donna Tryfman and Robert Krauss said treatment and constitutional protections must precede proceedings.
The case was moved to a mental-health court with a July 14 hearing.

Summary

James Handy Killed

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office confirmed on June 12 that actor James Handy died from a stab wound to torso and neck compression, causing oxygen deprivation.
Wendy Gledhill, mother of suspect Michael Gledhill and Handy’s partner, told TMZ her son had schizophrenia and stopped medication the week before the killing, then apologized to Handy’s family.
Handy’s credits included films such as Jumanji (1995), Logan (2017), Unbreakable (2000) and Top Gun: Maverick.

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Judge Orders Medication

Los Angeles Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi ruled on June 22 that Michael Gledhill is incompetent to stand trial and ordered involuntary medication for up to one year.
Gledhill, 44, faces a murder count with an allegation of using a weapon in the killing of 81-year-old actor James Handy.
A 911 caller said, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” prompting a hearing set for July 14.

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