Judge finds James Handy murder suspect incompetent for trial, orders medication

A Los Angeles judge has halted the murder case against Michael Gledhill after finding him mentally incompetent to stand trial in the stabbing death of actor James Handy. Judge Maria Cavalluzzi also ordered involuntary medication for one year, saying Gledhill could not make proper medication decisions and needed treatment before the case could move forward.

Cavalluzzi ruled Monday, June 22, that the 44-year-old Gledhill could not understand the case against him and could not rationally assist his lawyer in his own defense. She set a July 14 hearing on long-term placement. If Gledhill is later found competent, prosecutors can send the case on to trial.

Handy, 81, was found stabbed in the chest and lying unconscious outside his girlfriend’s home on June 3, 2026, police and prosecutors said. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Handy’s credits included “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” roles that made him a familiar face across film and television even as he built a long career in character parts.

Police said Gledhill was arrested after telling officers he was the person they were looking for. Investigators also said a 911 caller had reported, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” At his scheduled arraignment on June 5, a judge paused the criminal case and sent Gledhill to a court that specializes in mental health evaluation. That court then found him incompetent after psychiatric evaluations.

The competency ruling keeps the case in the mental health system for now, underscoring how violent criminal prosecutions can intersect with untreated psychiatric illness. Cavalluzzi’s medication order is aimed at restoring Gledhill to a condition where he can take part in his defense, a step that could determine whether the case ever reaches a jury.

Brian Delate, a longtime friend and fellow actor of Handy, said after the killing that Gledhill’s mother had fixed up her garage so her son could live there, and that Handy spent much of his time at the home. Delate said Handy had mentioned in passing that his girlfriend’s son had mental health problems.

Emails seeking comment from attorneys for both sides were not immediately answered. For now, the criminal case remains on hold while the court tries to determine whether treatment can restore Gledhill’s ability to stand trial.