What To Know
- Actor James Handy was fatally stabbed in Los Angeles, with his girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill, suspected and charged with his murder.
- Michael Gledhill, diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025, had reportedly stopped taking his medication.
- A judge has ordered a mental competency hearing for Michael before murder charges proceed.
Following the stabbing death of actor James Handy on Wednesday, the 81-year-old’s girlfriend is speaking out about her son being suspected of Handy’s murder.
Wendy Gledhill said her son, Michael Gledhill, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025 and had been prescribed medication that he stopped taking about a week before Handy’s death, according to TMZ. She also said that Handy and Michael had their differences but had a cordial relationship.
To Handy’s family, Wendy said, “They know I loved him so much. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry this happened. I’m still in shock. I still can’t comprehend it.”
Wendy also spoke to The California Post, saying, “I’m just trying to make it through one day at a time, a minute at a time. I loved James and my son. I still can’t believe it…. I can’t believe my son did it.”
Authorities responded to a residence in Los Angeles’ Tarzana neighborhood on Wednesday morning and found Handy unconscious. The actor was declared dead at a local hospital, The California Post adds.
A Los Angeles Police Department statement says Michael “flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for,” per Deadline. “The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney filed a felony complaint against Michael on Friday, Deadline added.
“On or about June 3, 2026, in the County of Los Angeles, the crime of Murder, in violation of Penal Code section 187(a), a Felony, was committed by Michael Ray Gledhill, who did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought murder James Anthony Handy, a human being,” the filing read.
A state judge declared later on Friday that Michael must face a mental competency hearing before murder charges can be pursued, Deadline reported.
Handy was a regular presence on TV, recurring as Borough Commander Haverill on NYPD Blue, disapproving father Matt Fielding Sr. on Melrose Place, corrupt detective Lou Handleman on Profiler, and CIA director Arthur Devlin on Alias, among other roles. Most recently, he played a bartender in the blockbuster big-screen sequel Top Gun: Maverick.