James Handy's cause of death has been confirmed after the acting legend was brutally attacked outside of his home in California earlier this month.
James Handy was attacked outside his home in Tarzana, California, earlier this month. The legendary actor died at the age of 81. He was famous for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji, and Logan.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed that it was not only stab wounds that contributed to Handy's death. They stated that neck compression, a term describing excessive pressure applied to structures within the neck, was also a factor. James died in the hospital on June 3, despite undergoing emergency treatment.
Police previously stated that they responded to a 911 call during which a man allegedly said: I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin. When police arrived at the home, they found James unconscious in the front yard, suffering from severe injuries.
Police have now confirmed grim details surrounding James' death. The suspect, Michael Gledhill, 44, who was the son of Wendy Gledhill, James' long-term partner, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with murder involving the use of a deadly weapon. He allegedly approached police and confirmed he was the suspect upon their arrival.
While police have not shared Gledhill's motive, Wendy has spoken out about the incident. She said that, as on any other morning, James went outside to pick up the daily newspaper before making coffee. She stated: James had gotten up to get the newspaper at about 9 o'clock, but he didn't make the coffee like he usually does. I just heard the door open because he was getting the paper.
The son of James' long-term girlfriend was arrested. Wendy went on to say that she believes her son and James may have gotten into an argument. She explained: I can only assume my son was already out there and they started to argue. Police arrived at their home around half an hour later, but Wendy was unaware of any signs of concern until then. She said: At first I didn't know who they were talking about. Then they told me to get away from the door because they thought there was still someone dangerous outside.
She claimed that Michael had been suffering from mental health issues and was not taking medication prescribed for schizophrenia at the time of the attack. Neighbors later said they heard arguments from the property hours before the attack. We knew there was something not right with him, so we just tried to stay away, said one neighbor about Michael.
At the time of the incident, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said Handy deserved to enjoy his later years with his loved ones and that the person who took his life should be held accountable. This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home, he said in a statement. Gledhill did not appear at an arraignment days after the attack at Los Angeles Superior Court, and no plea was entered for him.
Javier Trincado, Gledhill's lawyer, said his client is unable to assist in his defense and told the judge that the sheriff's department did not bring Gledhill to the courtroom, but did not provide a reason. Superior Court Judge John H. Reid ordered that Gledhill be sent to mental health court and undergo psychological evaluations. Another judge will decide whether he is competent for trial.
