New details have emerged following the death of Top Gun: Maverick actor James Handy, after a 911 call reportedly captured a chilling statement connected to the incident in which the 81-year-old was fatally stabbed.
Confirmation of the actor’s death was shared on Wednesday evening (June 4) by his agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, in a brief statement.
“With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy,” she wrote.
Handy was known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Jumanji and Logan. Police have alleged that he was stabbed in the front yard of his home, and that the suspect is his girlfriend’s son, 44-year-old Michael Geldhill.
The Los Angeles Police Department said West Valley patrol officers were dispatched to the Tarzana area at around 9:30 a.m. following a call reporting trouble at the location.
In the 911 audio, the caller reportedly said: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Officers reportedly found Handy unconscious with stab wounds to his chest. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police also stated that Gledhill approached officers nearby and surrendered.
Authorities have described the stabbing as an incident believed to be isolated, adding that there was no indication of an ongoing threat to the wider public.
The 44-year-old—who was reportedly living at the property with his mother, Handy’s girlfriend—has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Bail has been set at $2 million.
A motive has not been confirmed. However, neighbours told local outlet Fox 11 that they heard arguing the night before the stabbing.
One local resident also alleged that Gledhill had been experiencing “delusions” in the days prior to Handy’s death.
Fox 11 further reported that doorbell camera footage appeared to show the suspect walking back and forth outside while waiting for police to arrive on Wednesday morning (June 3).
In the meantime, tributes have continued to come in for Handy, with fans remembering his work across film and television.
One wrote: “James Handy was a terrific actor, his performances were always special.”
Another said: “This is so sad. I love character actors, and he was one of the ones I remember well.”
A third added: “Truly tragic news,” another added, “Hoping the authorities get full clarity on what led to this, and that justice is served in the right way.”