"I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin." — The 911 call that led police to the scene.
Incident
On June 3, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a 911 call at a residence in the 19200 block of Erwin Street in Tarzana. The caller stated, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."
Upon arrival, officers found James Handy unconscious in the front yard of the home with a stab wound to his chest. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
Suspect
Michael Gledhill, 44, was identified as the suspect. He flagged down responding officers and told them he was the person they were looking for. Gledhill resided at the home with his mother, who was the girlfriend of James Handy.
- Arrest and Charges: Gledhill was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder. He was subsequently charged with one count of murder on Friday, June 5. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, the charge alleges Gledhill unlawfully killed Handy with malice aforethought, which carries a potential sentence of 26 years to life if convicted.
- Legal Proceedings: At his arraignment on June 5, Gledhill did not appear in court. No plea was entered. Superior Court Judge John H. Reid ordered Gledhill to be sent to mental health court for psychological evaluations. His attorney, Javier Trincado, stated that the sheriff's department decided not to bring Gledhill to the courtroom but did not provide a reason. On June 22, 2026, a judge ordered a competency hearing, pausing criminal proceedings.
- Bail: Gledhill remains in custody on a bail of $2.02 million.
Victim Background
James Handy was an actor with roles in over 150 film and television productions spanning several decades.
- Film credits: Jumanji (1995), Arachnophobia (1990), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), The Rocketeer (1991), The Verdict (1982), Logan (2017), and Senior Entourage (2021).
- Television credits: NCIS: Los Angeles, Alias, The X-Files, NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, Melrose Place, The West Wing (as Congressman Joseph Bruno), and L.A. Law.
Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department has stated the stabbing appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not publicly revealed a motive for the attack.