James Handy’s final morning began with a routine he had followed for years. The veteran actor woke up on June 3 and headed outside to collect his newspaper before settling down with a cup of coffee. 

However, according to new details shared by his longtime partner, Wendy Gledhill, the ordinary start to the day turned into a devastating tragedy. 

Within minutes, Handy was allegedly involved in a confrontation with Wendy’s son, Michael Gledhill, that ended with the beloved actor suffering fatal injuries outside the California home they shared.

James Handy’s Morning Routine Took A Tragic Turn

For more than three decades, James Handy and Wendy Gledhill built a life together in their Tarzana home. According to Wendy, the actor’s final morning started much like any other.

“James had gotten up to get the newspaper at about 9 o’clock, but he didn’t make the coffee like he usually does,” she told the Daily Mail.

Wendy was still in bed when she heard Handy head outside. “I just heard the door open because he was getting the paper,” she recalled. 

At the time, nothing seemed unusual. Looking back, however, Wendy believes her son may have already been outside waiting.

“I can only assume my son was already out there and they started to argue, from my understanding, on the front yard,” she shared.

Authorities believe the confrontation escalated quickly. Handy was later found suffering from a stab wound to the chest in the front yard of the couple’s home.

Handy’s Partner Learned About The Attack From Police

Wendy said she remained unaware that anything had happened until officers arrived at her door roughly 30 minutes later.

“I didn’t know what was going on. The first time I heard something was happening was when the police showed up,” she revealed

According to Wendy, officers informed her that someone had called 911 and that a person was lying outside the home. 

Initially, she did not realize the victim was James Handy. “At first I didn’t know who they were talking about. Then they told me to get away from the door because they thought there was still someone dangerous outside,” Wendy told the outlet.

By then, police had already begun responding to the scene as details surrounding the violent incident emerged.

James Handy’s Girlfriend Believes Mental Health Played A Role

Michael Gledhill had lived with his mother and the “Top Gun: Maverick” star for approximately two years before the fatal incident.

Wendy believes her son was experiencing a mental health crisis connected to schizophrenia and may have stopped taking his medication days earlier.

“So I don’t think he was taking it at the time [of the alleged attack], but I don’t know for sure,” she said. Despite searching for answers, Wendy admitted that she could not explain what triggered the confrontation.

She also revealed that her son had been unemployed for some time and had continued to live at the property. Meanwhile, neighbors described previous concerns about Michael’s behavior. 

One resident recalled an encounter in which the 44-year-old allegedly questioned why surveillance cameras were pointed toward him. 

“We knew there was something not right with him, so we just tried to stay away,” the neighbor said, adding, “But the older couple was always very nice. It’s just very tragic what happened.”

Several neighbors also reported hearing arguments between Handy and Michael the night before the fatal incident.

Handy’s Alleged Killer Made A Disturbing 911 Call

As The Blast reported, investigators say it was Michael who contacted emergency services shortly after the attack. According to LAPD officials, he allegedly told the dispatcher, “I am the son of man. I just killed a man of sin.”

Security footage later captured the alleged killer walking through the neighborhood before returning to the residence. Authorities said he then flagged down responding officers and identified himself as the suspect they were seeking.

When police arrived at the home on Erwin Street, they discovered James Handy unconscious in the yard. Neighbors said the actor collapsed only a short distance from the house. A dark stain remained visible near the location where he fell.

Handy was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has since charged Michael with one count of murder along with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon.

An LA judge has scheduled a June 22 hearing in Hollywood Mental Health Court and set Michael’s bail at $2,020,000. If convicted, he faces up to 26 years to life in state prison.

James Handy Leaves Behind A Career Spanning Nearly 150 Credits

As loved ones continue mourning his death, many are remembering the extraordinary career Handy built over decades in Hollywood.

The 81-year-old accumulated nearly 150 television and film credits, appearing in projects such as “The West Wing,” “Castle,” “Logan,” “Jumanji,” and, most recently, “Top Gun: Maverick,” where he played bartender Jimmy.

Meanwhile, his longtime partner remains overwhelmed by the loss. “I was with James for 31 years and of course I loved him dearly,” Wendy said. “This is so difficult.”

Handy’s talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, also paid tribute to the actor. “With great sadness, I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy,” she said, further noting, “I could not have asked for a more talented, humble or gracious client and friend than James Handy.”