James Handy‘s death continues to get detailed analysis from experts.

After the “Top Gun: Maverick” actor’s death was announced on June 3, 2026, the medical examiner has continued to unravel more of the factors behind his passing aside from the obvious stabbing.

James Handy’s girlfriend’s son, Michael Gledhill, has since been charged with his death after he allegedly attacked the actor with a knife in his Los Angeles home.

James Handy Is Also Likely To Have Died From Neck Compression

The actor died as a result of a stab wound to his torso and a compression of his neck, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner. Handy was allegedly attacked inside his home in Los Angeles on June 3 by his girlfriend’s son, Gledhill, according to authorities. 

The actor was reportedly found seriously injured in his front yard before he was hospitalized, where he later died. Investigators said Ring camera footage later captured Gledhill leaving the area before officers arrested him nearby.

As shared by TMZ, Nathan Hochman announced that prosecutors filed one murder charge against Gledhill, along with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife.

The Actor Was Fondly Remembered For Being More Than Just An Actor

Long before headlines connected his name to tragedy, Handy was known as one of the friendly faces in the neighborhood by some of his neighbors who got to see him in his everyday element.

Following the death of the “Top Gun: Maverick” actor at his Los Angeles home on June 3, neighbors have begun sharing memories with PEOPLE that paint a picture of a man they describe as humble, welcoming, and easy to talk to.

One resident, Aaron Titelman, described Handy and his partner, Wendy Gledhill, as warm neighbors who often stood out for their kindness and sense of community.

Rather than discussing film credits or celebrity life, conversations with Handy reportedly centered on baseball, everyday moments, and neighborhood life, often involving their friendly cat. 

James Handy Has Left A Lasting Impression On His Neighbors

Titelman continued that Handy carried himself with as little fanfare as possible, despite his rich background in popular productions.

He continued that losing someone with whom he had become so familiar in such a strange manner served as a strong reminder not to ever take ordinary moments for granted. 

For those who knew him, Handy’s legacy in the neighborhood was less about Hollywood and more about being approachable, thoughtful, and part of the everyday rhythm of the community.

Titelman also revealed that the actor and his girlfriend had lived together in the area for about three years prior to his death, and Michael had lived with them.

The Actor’s Fatal Stabbing Left Devastation In Its Aftermath

Jerry Merrill, who also lived next door to the couple, confessed that the situation was both shocking and difficult to understand, especially when it came to Gledhill and his role in the actor’s death.

Merrill revealed that the majority of the interactions he had with the actor’s girlfriend’s son were limited because he mostly kept to himself and rarely engaged with the neighbors.

“It was a pretty common occurrence for him to just sort of walk around the neighborhood. So on this particular occasion, something horrible had happened, and he was just living in his own space and taking his walk around the neighborhood,” Merril added.

In retrospect, the neighbor stressed that absolutely nothing could have prepared him for the horror story that came out from inside that house where they lived.

Upon digesting the footage of the incident, Merrill described it as unsettling to know that their neighborhood had ties to such a scary reality.

He also emotionally discussed Wendy’s plight, highlighting his sympathy for an unimaginable loss and grieving the death of a partner, while battling with allegations of a crime against her son.

Worse yet, Merrill also discovered that his loss was even more personal because Handy was also featured in a number of the films he had enjoyed.

Michael Gledhill Reportedly Got Into A Blowout With James Handy Before The Stabbing

As stated by The Blast, authorities were called to Handy’s residence after a 911 call was placed by Gledhill, who lived with them on the property.

The caller on the other end of the line had made a symbolic statement, taking responsibility for the incident even before the officer arrived on the scene.

Upon the arrival of the cops at the scene, the actor was discovered stabbed and unconscious outside his home before he was taken to the hospital and declared dead.

Footage also saw him walking down a sidewalk. In contrast, blood-stained clothes could be seen in the area, after which he returned home and identified himself to responding officers as the person of interest.

Neighbors had made a crucial claim in the investigations, which is that there had been tensions at home during the night before the incident.

Another eyewitness also claimed that Gledhill appeared disconnected from reality in the days leading up to the tragedy.

RIP James Handy!