James Handy’s Girlfriend Says Her Son Had Schizophrenia and Stopped Taking Medication Before Allegedly Killing Actor

Actor James Handy, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, was killed in a stabbing at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday morning, according to the report. Police say Handy was found unconscious in his front yard with a stab wound to the chest and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Dispatch audio indicated that a caller believed to be the suspect, Michael Gledhill, reported “unknown trouble” and made a disturbing statement before officers arrived. Gledhill is the son of Handy’s girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill.

Authorities arrested Michael Gledhill and charged him with one count of murder, along with an allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife. If convicted, he faces up to 26 years to life in state prison. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman condemned the killing, saying Handy deserved to live out his later years in peace and with the people he loved.

Handy’s girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill, has now spoken publicly after her son’s arrest. In interviews with TMZ and The California Post, she said Michael was diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025 and had become increasingly paranoid after the diagnosis. Wendy alleged that he had been prescribed medication, but she recently discovered he had stopped taking it about a week before the killing. Police have not confirmed any mental health diagnosis or treatment at this time.

A neighbor, Joheina Quibol, told The California Post that Michael sometimes behaved oddly and seemed paranoid. She said he appeared disheveled and recalled a strange interaction in which he asked her father about cameras inside the home. Wendy said her son and Handy “didn’t always see eye to eye,” but described their relationship as generally cordial.

In emotional comments, Wendy said she is devastated and still struggling to understand what happened. She expressed deep sorrow to Handy’s family and said she is trying to get through one moment at a time. When asked whether her son should spend the rest of his life in prison, she said he should not be in any situation where he could hurt someone else.

Michael Gledhill remains in custody on $2 million bail as the case moves forward. The killing has drawn attention because of the family connection between the victim and the accused, as well as the disturbing details reported in the 911 call and the unanswered questions surrounding the suspect’s mental state.