The man accused of fatally stabbing veteran actor James Handy has been referred to a specialist mental health court after his lawyer told a Los Angeles judge that he was currently unable to participate in legal proceedings.
Michael Gledhill, 44, is charged with the murder of the 81-year-old actor, who appeared in films including Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji and Logan. Prosecutors allege the attack took place at James’ Tarzana home on Wednesday, June 3 2026.
Michael did not appear in court on Friday, remaining in custody at the Van Nuys courthouse. During the brief hearing, his public defender, Javier Trincado, told Judge John Reid that his client was not currently able to assist in his own defence.
© ABC“We’re asking the court to declare a doubt,” Javier said, using terminology that indicates concerns about a defendant’s mental competency to stand trial.
Judge Reid subsequently transferred the matter to Hollywood Mental Health Court, where it is scheduled to be heard on June 22. Michael’s bail was set at $2.02 million.
According to authorities, police were dispatched to the property after receiving a disturbing 911 call at around 9.30am. The caller allegedly told emergency services: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
© Disney General Entertainment ConResponding officers arrived at the Erwin Street residence and found James suffering from a stab wound to the chest in the front yard. He was transported to hospital by paramedics but later died from his injuries.
Police allege Michael, who lived at the property with his mother and James, identified himself to officers shortly after they arrived.
“The suspect flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for,” police said in a statement.
© ABC via Getty ImagesIn comments reported by TMZ, Michael’s mother, Wendy Gledhill, said her son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had recently stopped taking prescribed medication.
“They know I loved him so much. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry this happened. I’m still in shock. I still can’t comprehend it,” she told the outlet.
She reportedly said her son’s condition had worsened in recent months and that he had become increasingly paranoid before the incident.
© Disney General Entertainment ConFootage obtained by local television station Fox 11 Los Angeles reportedly showed Michael walking along a nearby sidewalk shortly before police arrived. Neighbours also claimed they had heard arguments coming from the home overnight, although investigators have not announced a motive.
James’ career spanned more than five decades, building a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most recognisable character actors. While he was best known for supporting roles, he appeared in dozens of films and television shows throughout his career.
Among his most notable credits were playing a bartender in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, an exterminator in the 1995 family classic Jumanji and a doctor in the Hugh Jackman-led superhero film Logan. He also appeared in Arachnophobia, The Rocketeer, Brighton Beach Memoirs and K-9.
The case remains under investigation.
