The girlfriend of veteran actor James Handy has spoken publicly after her son was arrested on suspicion of murder following the 81-year-old's death from a stab wound. Officers found Handy unconscious in the front yard of a Los Angeles home on Wednesday morning, and he was pronounced dead at hospital.
The suspect, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, was arrested on suspicion of murder and lived at the Tarzana residence with his mother, Wendy Gledhill, who is Handy's girlfriend. Wendy Gledhill told TMZ that her son suffers from mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and had stopped taking his medication last week.
The Los Angeles Police Department said a 911 caller stated, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." At the scene, Gledhill flagged down officers and said he was the one they were looking for. His bail was set at $2 million, and it is unclear if he has legal representation.
In an emotional interview with The California Post, Wendy Gledhill said she was still in shock and "trying to make it through one day at a time." She added: "I loved James and my son. I still can't believe it….I can't believe my son did it." She had earlier told TMZ: "I'm so sorry this happened."
Handy, a New York-born actor, appeared in more than 100 films and television shows over nearly 50 years, including Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji, The X-Files and Law & Order. His agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, confirmed his death and paid tribute, saying: "I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend."
Colleagues also mourned him. Scott Alan Smith, who directed Handy in a 2018 play, described him as "a prince of a man", while actress Nancy Lipner recalled his work as a character actor. Police believe the stabbing was an isolated incident and said there is no danger to the public.
