Murder Case Halts: James Handy’s Alleged Killer Undergoes Mental Exam

The individual implicated in the fatal stabbing of Top Gun: Maverick star James Handy earlier this week is slated for a mental competency evaluation before proceeding with murder allegations.

Michael Ray Gledhill’s mental state will be assessed at a Hollywood courthouse on June 22, as determined by a state judge this past Friday. This follows a felony charge lodged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney against Handy’s girlfriend’s middle-aged son.

“On or about June 3, 2026, in Los Angeles County, Michael Ray Gledhill committed the felony crime of Murder, violating Penal Code section 187(a), by unlawfully and with premeditated malice murdering James Anthony Handy, a human being,” stated the DA Nathan Hochman’s office in a recent document.

If convicted, 44-year-old Gledhill faces a sentence of 26 years to life. He is currently detained with bail set at $2.02 million.

Handy, aged 81, was found fatally wounded outside a Tarzana residence on Wednesday morning. Discovered by LAPD in the home’s front yard with chest injuries, he was rushed to a nearby hospital shortly after 9:30 a.m. and was declared dead upon arrival.

During the 911 call to report the incident, Gledhill is heard stating, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

“It’s tragic for anyone’s life to end in such a violent manner, stabbed and left to die in a home’s front yard,” commented Hochman on Friday, following the charge filing and prior to the arraignment delayed due to mental health concerns.

“James Handy deserved to enjoy his later years, relishing his accomplishments alongside his loved ones,” Hochman continued. “Like all victims of murder, his life was significant, and the one who ended it so cruelly must face justice for his actions.”

At the scene, Gledhill identified himself to the officers, as confirmed by police reports. “The suspect approached the officers responding nearby, informing them he was the perpetrator they were seeking,” a statement from the LAPD noted. “The suspect lives at the site with his mother, the victim’s girlfriend.”

Veteran actor Handy boasted approximately 100 acting credits, including roles in the 2022 hit sequel Top Gun: Maverick with Tom Cruise, television series such as Alias, The X-Files, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, and the 2017 X-Men spinoff Logan.