Judge Rules Man Accused of Killing ‘Jumanji’ Actor Not Fit for Trial
James Handy was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s son.

ABC Photo Archives
A judge had ruled that the man who allegedly murdered 81-year-old Jumanji actor is not mentally fit to stand trial. Michael Gledhill, 44, is accused of killing James Handy, who was in a long-term relationship with Gledhill’s mother, Wendy, at their home in Los Angeles on June 3. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi revealed in a court hearing on Monday that Gledhill, “cannot rationally assist his lawyer in his own defense,” according to the Associated Press. Gledhill’s mom said her son had stopped taking his medication for schizophrenia a week earlier before he allegedly stabbed Handy outside their home. “I am the son of man; I just killed the man of sin,” Gledhill said in a 911 call after the murder, admitting to the crime. The judge found Gledhill was not able to make proper decisions about his medication and ordered that he be involuntarily medicated for one year. Handy, who also starred in films including Top Gun: Maverick, was stabbed once in the chest outside the home of his partner. Gledhill faces a July 14 hearing to consider his long-term placement. In the meantime, he is living in his mother’s garage, according to Handy’s long-time friend, Brian Delate.
Unlock a year of full access to The Looker and The Daily Beast for $35.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Looker and The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in
Login dialog