'Top Gun: Maverick' actor 'killed by girlfriend’s son' as 911 call revealed

Veteran actor James Handy, best known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Logan and Jumanji, has died after being stabbed at his Los Angeles home. He was 81.

Authorities were called to the actor’s property in Tarzana on Wednesday morning at around 9:30AM following a disturbing 911 call. Handy was found unconscious in the front yard with multiple stab wounds to his chest.

Emergency responders rushed the Hollywood actor to hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.

Suspect allegedly admitted killing in 911 call

Police revealed that a caller made a chilling statement before officers arrived at the scene.

According to authorities, a voice on the call said: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”

Investigators later identified 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s partner, as a suspect in the case.

The Los Angeles Police Department said Gledhill approached officers while they were searching the area near the home and admitted responsibility for the attack. Police also stated that he told officers he was the person who had placed the 911 call.

Gledhill was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into Van Nuys Jail. His bail was set at $2 million.

In a statement, the LAPD said: “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.”

A motive has not yet been disclosed by investigators.

Neighbors reported argument before attack

As detectives continue their investigation, neighbors have claimed Handy and Gledhill were heard arguing overnight before the fatal incident.

Surveillance footage from outside the property reportedly captured an unidentified man walking past the home around the time of the stabbing.

Police have not announced whether that individual is connected to the investigation.

The death has shocked those who worked with Handy throughout a career that stretched across nearly five decades in film and television.

Tributes paid to veteran Hollywood actor

Handy’s talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, confirmed his death in a statement.

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

The actor most recently appeared as bartender Jimmy in 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise.

He also appeared in 2017’s Logan, playing the doctor who treated Hugh Jackman’s character, and featured in the 1995 fantasy adventure Jumanji alongside Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt and Kirsten Dunst.

Television audiences also knew Handy for roles in Alias, Melrose Place and NYPD Blue, where he built a long list of screen credits across a career spanning almost 50 years.

Police have confirmed the investigation into Handy’s death remains ongoing.

Featured image credit: ABC7