James Handy, an 81-year-old character actor best known for his role as bartender Jimmy in "Top Gun: Maverick," was allegedly stabbed to death outside his Tarzana home on Wednesday morning by the son of his longtime partner, authorities said.
Background
Handy had lived with his partner Wendy Gledhill for more than three decades in their three-bedroom home in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood. According to Wendy, her partner followed a simple morning routine for years: stepping outside around 9 a.m. to retrieve the newspaper and make coffee.
On the day of the incident, Handy got up to get the paper but never made it back inside with his coffee. Wendy told the Daily Mail she heard the door open as he was retrieving the paper but remained in bed, initially thinking nothing was wrong.
"James had gotten up to get the newspaper at about 9 o'clock, but he didn't make the coffee like he usually does," Wendy said.
About 30 minutes later, police arrived at their home. Authorities said Handy had been stabbed in the front yard and was found unconscious with a stab wound to the chest. He was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
The Investigation
Los Angeles Police Department investigators identified Michael Gledhill, 44, as a suspect within hours of the killing. According to authorities, Gledhill called 911 around 9:30 a.m. and allegedly told a dispatcher: "I am the son of man. I just killed a man of sin."
Chilling surveillance footage obtained by FOX 11 showed Gledhill casually walking away from the scene before returning and flagging down officers, identifying himself as the suspect they were seeking.
Wendy believes her son had been living with the couple for about two years and was experiencing a mental-health crisis after allegedly stopping medication prescribed for schizophrenia. "So I don't think he was taking it at the time [of the alleged attack], but I don't know for sure," she told the Daily Mail.
Neighbors reported hearing loud arguments coming from the home the night before the killing. One neighbor said Gledhill had exhibited troubling behavior in the past.
"We knew there was something not right with him, so we just tried to stay away," the neighbor said. "But the older couple was always very nice. It's just very tragic what happened."
Gledhill has been charged with murder and a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $2.02 million. If convicted, he faces up to 26 years to life in prison.
Key Takeaways
- James Handy, 81, built a career spanning nearly 150 film and television credits including "The West Wing," "Castle," "Logan," "Jumanji" and most recently "Top Gun: Maverick"
- He was allegedly killed by Michael Gledhill, the 44-year-old son of his longtime partner Wendy Gledhill
- Authorities say Gledhill called 911 after the killing and confessed to dispatchers using religious language
- Investigators allege Gledhill stopped taking medication prescribed for schizophrenia before the attack
- Handy had lived in the Tarzana home with Wendy for more than three decades
What's Next
Gledhill is awaiting his next court appearance. His defense has not yet publicly commented on the charges against him. The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division.
Handy's agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, described him as "a talented, humble or gracious client and friend." A date for memorial services has not been announced.