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James Handy killed in Los Angeles, suspect arrested in Tarzana

The 81-year-old actor, known for roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Jumanji,” was fatally stabbed at his home

American actor James Handy was killed at the age of 81 in his home in Tarzana, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, in what police describe as a fatal stabbing.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded on Wednesday, June 3, at approximately 9:30 a.m. following a 911 emergency call reporting a dangerous situation. In the police report, the caller allegedly stated: “I am the man’s son, I just killed the man of sin.”

When officers arrived, Handy was found unconscious in the yard with a stab wound to the chest. He was transported by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Police identified the suspect as Michael Gledhill, 44, the son of the actor’s partner. Investigators said the man approached officers at the scene and identified himself as the person they were looking for. Gledhill, who lived in the same residence with his mother and Handy, was taken into custody and later booked at the Van Nuys jail on suspicion of murder.

Authorities said they believe the incident to be isolated and indicated there is no ongoing threat.

Over a long career, Handy appeared in numerous film and television productions. In 2022, he had a role in “Top Gun: Maverick” as a bartender, while in “Jumanji” (1995) he played an exterminator. His film credits also include “Arachnophobia” (1990) and “The Rocketeer” (1991).

He was also a familiar presence on television, with appearances in series such as “NYPD Blue,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Law & Order,” “Profiler,” “The Young and the Restless,” and more recently “9-1-1” in 2021.

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