A man believed to be the suspect held on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of James Handy was captured on doorbell video appearing to stroll back toward his home.
The 81-year-old actor, known for appearances including Top Gun, was killed on Wednesday (June 3) after Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to a property in Tarzana at around 9.30am local time.
When officers arrived, Handy was found in the front yard with a stab wound to his chest and reported to be unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Michael Gledhill, 44 — the son of Handy’s girlfriend — has since been detained on suspicion of murder. Authorities said he approached nearby officers at the scene and surrendered.
He was transported to Van Nuys Jail and booked on one count of murder, with bail set at $2 million.
Footage shared by Fox 11 Los Angeles, taken from a neighbor’s doorbell camera, shows a man who appears to be the suspect walking along the sidewalk outside.
The individual is seen wearing a pink shirt and blue pants and appears to touch his face as he steps away from the property.
Police say the original 911 caller told them: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
A statement from the LAPD following the incident said: “On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street.
“The 911 caller stated, ‘I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.’
“Upon their arrival, officers discovered 81-year-old James Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest. The victim was transported to [a] local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced deceased.”
Investigators have described the event as an “isolated incident,” adding that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.
Handy was recognized for roles in Jumanji and Arachnophobia. His most recent screen credit was in Top Gun: Maverick, where he played a bartender.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Detective Simonyan or Detective Lopez, at (818) 374-9550. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.