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‘Top Gun: Maverick’ actor James Handy dies after fatal stabbing in Los Angeles home

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Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

Veteran actor James Handy has died after being fatally stabbed at his Los Angeles home on June 3. He was 81. James is known for his appearances in acclaimed films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Logan, and Jumanji, among many other screen projects throughout his decades-long career. <div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17807336041501780733746137.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>James Handy in “Logan”. Photo credits to 20th Century StudiosAccording to authorities, the incident happened in the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a distress call and discovered James suffering from a stab wound to the chest. The LAPD detailed the events surrounding the case in a statement cited by international media outlet Variety.  “On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. The 911 caller stated, ‘I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.’ Upon their arrival, officers discovered 81-year-old James Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest. The victim was transported to local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced deceased.” Police identified the suspect as Michael Gledhill, the son of James’s girlfriend. He is now in police custody after flagging down authorities and saying that he was &quot;the one they were looking for.&quot; “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time,” the police statement added. A representative for James later confirmed the actor’s death, saying, “With great sadness, I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.” <div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17807335194521780733662160.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>James Handy in “Logan”. Photo credits to 20th Century Studios​​According to a report from Fox 11, some neighbors claimed they heard an argument between James and Michael during the night before the stabbing. One resident also alleged that the suspect appeared to struggle with delusions. Two days after the incident, prosecutors formally filed charges against Michael. On June 5, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged him with one count of murder, along with a special allegation that a deadly weapon was used in the killing. If convicted, he could face up to 26 years behind bars. District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the violent attack in a statement. “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. “The victim, James Handy, deserved to live out his later years enjoying what he had worked so hard for and enjoying it with those he loved and cared about,&quot; the District Attorney continued. &quot;Like all murder victims, his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions.” Deputy District Attorney George Morris of the Family Violence Division, who is prosecuting the case, recommends that the bail be set at $2.02 million (approximately ₱123.5 million). Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actor’s death.

James Handy, known for his appearances in films such as 'Top Gun: Maverick,' 'Logan,' and 'Jumanji,' has died after a stabbing incident at his Los Angeles residence. He was 81.

James Handy, known for his appearances in films such as 'Top Gun: Maverick,' 'Logan,' and 'Jumanji,' has died after a stabbing incident at his Los Angeles residence. He was 81.