Veteran Hollywood actor James Handy's cause of death has been revealed following a violent attack outside his California home. The 81-year-old actor, best known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Logan and Jumanji, died from stab wounds and neck compression, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Details of the Attack
Handy was attacked outside his Tarzana home on June 3 and later died in hospital despite emergency treatment. Police responded to a chilling 911 call in which a man allegedly said: 'I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.' Officers found Handy unconscious in the front yard with severe injuries.
The suspect, Michael Gledhill, 44, is the son of Handy's longtime partner, Wendy Gledhill. He was arrested at the scene and charged with murder involving a deadly weapon. Gledhill allegedly approached officers and identified himself as the person they were looking for.
Partner's Account
Wendy Gledhill said Handy had stepped outside that morning to collect the newspaper, a routine he followed before making coffee. She heard the door open but didn't hear him make coffee. She believes an argument may have broken out between Handy and her son in the front yard. About half an hour later, police arrived. Wendy recalled: 'The first time I heard something was happening was when the police showed up. At first I didn't know who they were talking about.'
Wendy also stated her son had been struggling with mental illness and was not taking medication prescribed for schizophrenia at the time.
Neighbour and Police Comments
Neighbours reported hearing arguments from the property the night before the incident. One resident alleged Gledhill had previously displayed erratic behaviour and confronted neighbours about surveillance cameras. 'We knew there was something not right with him, so we just tried to stay away,' the neighbour said. 'But the older couple was always very nice. It's just very tragic.'
Ring doorbell footage reportedly showed a man believed to be Gledhill walking through the neighbourhood before approaching police. The LAPD stressed the killing was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
Hollywood Reaction
Handy's talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, confirmed the news: 'With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.' She added: 'I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy.'
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Handy became one of Hollywood's most recognisable character actors with over 150 screen credits. He appeared alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick and featured in films including Logan, Jumanji, The Rocketeer and Arachnophobia. His television work included The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Criminal Minds, Castle and The X-Files.
