James Handy, 81, Found Fatally Stabbed in Los Angeles Home, Girlfriend's Son Arrested

James Handy, the prolific US character actor, was found dead on Wednesday in the front garden of his Los Angeles home in Tarzana, California, with multiple stab wounds to the chest. He was 81.

Arrest Made in Tarzana Homicide

Police in Los Angeles have arrested Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of Handy's girlfriend, in connection with the killing. Gledhill faces one count of murder, and his bail has been set at $2 million.

Officers responded to an emergency call reporting "unknown trouble" after a caller informed police, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." Upon arrival, Gledhill reportedly flagged down officers, stating he was the individual they were seeking. Detectives believe the incident to be isolated, with no further threat to the public, noting that the suspect resided at the property with his mother, who was the victim's girlfriend.

Handy's Extensive Career

Born in New York, Handy amassed a lengthy list of credits over six decades in film and television, often portraying supporting characters. His notable appearances include 'NYPD Blue', 'K-9', 'Law & Order', 'CSI: NY', 'The West Wing', and 'The X Files'. His final film role was in 2022's 'Top Gun: Maverick', where he played Jimmy, a bartender.

Entertainment writer Jay Bobbin described Handy as a "superb character actor", while producer Don Winslow, who worked with Handy on 'UC: Undercover', praised him as a "terrific actor" whose "performances were always special."