James Handy, an 81-year-old character actor known for memorable roles in "Jumanji" and "Top Gun: Maverick," was found stabbed outside a Los Angeles home last week. Now the man accused of killing him has been deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial.
Background
James Handy had spent decades building a career as a reliable supporting presence in Hollywood, appearing in dozens of films and television shows throughout his acting life. Friends described him as a kind man who enjoyed spending time at his girlfriend's home, where her son, Michael Gledhill, also lived.
On June 3, Los Angeles police responded to the residence after a 911 caller said, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." Officers found Handy stabbed in the chest and lying unconscious outside the home. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Gledhill remained at the scene and told police he was the person they were looking for, according to authorities. The 44-year-old was arrested at the scene.
The Investigation
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced murder charges against Gledhill last week, describing the circumstances of Handy's death as tragic. "This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home," Hochman said at a news conference. "The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for."
At Gledhill's scheduled arraignment on June 5, a judge paused prosecution and sent the case to a court specializing in mental health evaluation. Psychiatric evaluations concluded promptly that Gledhill was not competent to face criminal proceedings.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi held a hearing Monday and ruled that Gledhill cannot understand the case against him and cannot rationally assist his lawyer in his own defense. She also determined he cannot make proper medication decisions.
The judge signed an order allowing Gledhill to be involuntarily medicated for one year, citing a psychiatrist's determination that his mental health could be "hugely helped" by proper drugs.
Key Takeaways
- James Handy, 81, was a veteran character actor with credits including 'Jumanji' (1995) and 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022)
- He was in a relationship with Michael Gledhill's mother and often spent time at her home
- Police found Handy stabbed outside the residence on June 3 after a disturbing 911 call from Gledhill
- A judge ruled Monday that Gledhill, 44, is mentally incompetent to face murder charges
- Court has authorized involuntary medication for one year while his mental health is addressed
What's Next
Judge Cavalluzzi ordered Gledhill to appear in court on July 14 for a hearing on his long-term placement. If psychiatric treatment successfully restores his competency, the case against him will proceed to trial. The murder charges remain pending.
Brian Delate, a longtime friend and fellow actor who worked with Handy over the years, told The Associated Press that Handy had mentioned in passing that his girlfriend's son had mental health problems. Delate said Gledhill's mother had fixed up her garage so her son could live there, while Handy maintained his own residence nearby.