James Handy’s girlfriend reveals final moments before fatal stabbing

Chilling surveillance footage shows the suspect walking away from the scene before returning and surrendering to police

Published Jun 11, 2026  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

James Handy in a scene from a 2010 episode of Castle. YouTube

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James Handy’s girlfriend is opening up about the actor’s final moments before he was stabbed to death, allegedly at the hands of her son.

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Handy, 81, was found by Los Angeles police officers in his front yard suffering from a stab wound to the chest on the morning of June 5.

The son of the veteran actor’s longtime girlfriend called 911 soon afterward to confess to the bloody slaying.

Just like any other day

Handy’s partner of more than three decades has revealed new details about the tragedy.

“James had gotten up to get the newspaper at about 9 o’clock, but he didn’t make the coffee like he usually does,” Wendy Gledhill told the Daily Mail from the couple’s home in Tarzana, Calif.

“I just heard the door open because he was getting the paper.”

Wendy said she was still in bed, blissfully unaware of what was about to unfold between Handy and her son, Michael.

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

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

The police arrived at her door about 30 minutes later, she recalled, saying “they told me someone was wrapped in a blanket outside the house.”

She added: “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.”

Authorities said Michael called 911 around 9:30 a.m. and allegedly told a dispatcher: “I am the son of man. I just killed the man of sin.”

Chilling surveillance footage obtained by local outlets shows the suspect walking away from the scene before returning and surrendering to police.

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Schizophrenia to blame?

Michael was taken to Van Nuys Jail, where he was booked on suspicion of one count of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.

If convicted, he faces up to 26 years to life in prison.

Wendy previously told TMZ that her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia in July 2025 and had been taking his prescribed medication, but stopped about a week before the Top Gun: Maverick actor was killed.

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She reiterated to the Mail that she believes her son, who had been living with the couple for about two years, suffered a mental health crisis.

“I don’t think he was taking it at the time (of the alleged attack), but I don’t know for sure,” she told the outlet.

As for her relationship with Handy, Wendy said she remains “in shock” and has not left their home since the tragedy because she is “beyond devastated.”

She added: “I was with James for 31 years and of course I loved him dearly. This is so difficult.”

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