Los Angeles County District Attorney Speaks Out on James Handy Stabbing

On June 3, Top Gun: Maverick actor James Handy was stabbed and killed in Tarzana, Calif. Michael Gledhill, who was accused of stabbing the actor, was formally charged on June 5 by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.

Gledhill is the son of Handy's girlfriend, Wendy. Gledhill has been charged with "one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife," according to a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

"This is not how anyone's life should end, stabbed in the chest and left dying in the front yard of a home," Hochman said in the news release. "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. Like all murder victims, his life mattered and the person who inexplicably and violently took it must be held accountable for his actions."

According to the release, Gledhill faces up to 26 years to life in state prison. Prosecutors are currently recommending that his bail be set at $2.02 million. The case still remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division.

Several celebrities and Handy's friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to him, including writer/producer Don Winslow, known for his work on UC: Undercover.

"James Handy was a terrific actor, and we were honored to have him on UC: Undercover in a recurring role," Winslow posted on X. "His performances were always special."

"I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy," Pam Ellis-Evenas, Handy's agent, said in an email to the Associated Press.

Read the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office's full news release here.

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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 8:28 AM.