James Handy, the actor best known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, has been fatally stabbed at his home in Los Angeles. The 81-year-old was found unconscious in his front garden with a stab wound to his chest on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Los Angeles Police responded to a 911 call at around 9:30 a.m. from a man who said, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." Officers arrived at Handy's residence on Erwin Street in Tarzana and discovered him in the front yard. He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead.
Shortly after, the suspect, identified as Michael Gledhill, 44, flagged down police and admitted he was the person they were looking for. Gledhill lived at the property with his mother, who is Handy's girlfriend. He is currently held on $2 million bail.
Police believe the incident was isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The motive remains under investigation.
Handy's career spanned decades, with notable appearances in The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Castle, and The X-Files. His most recent role was in Top Gun: Maverick.
