James Handy’s Alleged Killer, Michael Gledhill Had Schizophrenia, Reveals His Longtime Girlfriend

James Handy, the American actor, tragically passed away on June 3, 2026. He was allegedly killed brutally by his girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill’s son, Michael Gledhill. He was arrested and was charged with one count of murder. According to reports, the Top Gun: Maverick actor was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds in his chest in the front yard of his Los Angeles home. Amid this, James’ girlfriend, Wendy, revealed that her son had schizophrenia.

James Handy’s alleged killer, Michael Gledhill, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2025

In a recent interview with TMZ, James Handy’s longtime girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill, revealed that her son, Michael Gledhill, has been struggling with serious mental health issues. She also revealed that her son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Wendy mentioned that Michael had become increasingly paranoid and had been prescribed medication for his medical condition. Michael was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2025. Speaking to TMZ, Wendy stated that she recently learned that her son had stopped taking his medicines about a week before police found James stabbed to death outside his home.

James Handy’s girlfriend, Wendy Gledhill, expressed her grief over his tragic passing

During the same conversation, Wendy mentioned that her son and James were not always on the same page, but generally, they had a cordial relationship. Wendy expressed her grief over his tragic passing. She got emotional and offered a message to James’ family. She said, “They know I loved him so much. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry this happened. I’m still in shock. I still can’t comprehend it.”

In another interview with The California Post, Wendy shared that she loved James and her son. She expressed her utter disbelief in her son’s involvement in James’ murder. She tried her level best to hold back. She was quoted as saying:

“I loved James and my son. I still can’t believe it. I can’t believe my son did it. I’m just trying to…”

More about James Handy

James Handy was a prolific American actor and was well known for his acting prowess. The talented veteran actor was born in March 1945 in New York City. After being cast in a series of plays at his university, James discovered his immense passion and love for acting. Since then, there has been no looking back. He appeared in both TV series and films and became a fan favourite actor. James Handy rose to global fame with the film, Top Gun: Maverick.

James’ notable works, include K-9, K-11, Logan, Unbreakable, Jumanji, 15 Minutes, Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Rocketeer, and The Verdict. James bagged his first on-screen role in the 1981 thriller, Taps, after being urged to pursue acting as a career by his professors. Apart from his illustrious acting career, James served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. James was 21 when he fought alongside the 196 Lightning Brigade in Tay Ninh between August 1966 and July 1967. In a 2013 interview, James got candid about the following. He said:

“We wound up getting into heavy combat for 27 days we were in the field. It was pretty horrific. At first, when you’re over there, you’re in a combat zone and it doesn’t really register because it doesn’t seem real. You’re 10,000 miles away from home, you’re in this jungle and woods. Parts of the country were beautiful, but at night it got so dark, you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.”

Rest in peace, James Handy.

Also Read: James Handy’s GF’s Identity Revealed, Breaks Silence On His Tragic Death, ‘I Loved James And Son..’

Pic credit: Fox 11, Getty, 20th Century Studios, Channel 4, Sony Pictures Entertainment