Top Gun and Jumanji actor James Handy stabbed to death at home

Police released a statement

Handy, 81, was stabbed to death outside his home on Wednesday (3 June) allegedly by his girlfriend's son, Michael Gledhill.

Gledhill, 44, is reported to have told officers he was the one responsible for the actor's death, as per the California Post.

Los Angeles Police said that they received a disturbing phone call at around 09:30 (local time) on Wednesday from a man saying, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."

Officers rushed to Handy's home in the 19200 block of Erwin Street in Tarzana.

Upon arrival, they found Handy unconscious in the front garden with a stab would to his chest.

Despite being rushed to hospital, he was later pronounced dead.

A statement from the police read: “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.

"The suspect flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for.

"The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend."

“Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time."

Handy had a number of roles across a decades-long career.

He recently appeared in 2022's 'Top Gun: Maverick', the sequel to the classic 1986 film, playing the role of Jimmy.

The actor also appeared in 1995s 'Jumanji' playing the Exterminator while featuring as Byers in 'K-9' and its sequel, 'K-911'.

He also played Milton Briggs in the horror 'Arachnophobia,'

He also featured on several shows including The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Castle and The X-Files.

A rep for the actor said: “With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.”