James Handy cause of death revealed after 'Top Gun': Maverick' actor's killing
Medical examiner confirms actor James Handy died in fatal stabbing in Los Angeles
Actor James Handy died from a stab wound to the torso and neck compression after he was allegedly attacked at a home in Los Angeles, authorities have confirmed.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Handy's death a homicide, revealing that the 81-year-old actor suffered fatal injuries during the incident on June 3 in the Tarzana neighbourhood of Los Angeles. The case gained renewed attention after details of the cause of death were released on Thursday. People first reported the findings.
Murder Charge Filed in James Handy Death
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged 44-year-old Michael Gledhill with murder in connection with Handy's death.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Gledhill is the son of Wendy Gledhill, Handy's girlfriend. The three reportedly lived together at the same residence where the fatal incident occurred.
Police said officers responded after a 911 caller allegedly stated, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."
When officers arrived at the property, authorities said Gledhill approached them and indicated he was the person they were seeking.
Handy was found in the front yard suffering from a stab wound and was later pronounced dead at hospital.
Prosecutors Condemn Fatal Attack
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman described the circumstances surrounding Handy's death as deeply disturbing.
"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 in a statement.
"The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about," he added.
Veteran Actor Had Long Hollywood Career
Handy enjoyed a decades-long acting career across film and television.
He appeared in numerous productions, including Top Gun: Maverick, K-9 and NYPD Blue, earning a reputation as a prolific character actor throughout his career.
Gledhill remains charged with murder as the criminal case proceeds through the Los Angeles court system.
