Actor's Killer Found Mentally Unfit for Trial

Michael Gledhill, the individual accused of murdering veteran actor James Handy, has been transferred to a mental health treatment center. This decision follows a court finding that Gledhill is mentally incompetent to stand trial for murder charges.

A placement recommendation hearing on Tuesday, July 14, resulted in Gledhill's move from custody to a psychiatric facility. A progress hearing is scheduled for October 14 in Hollywood. Gledhill previously underwent a mental health evaluation and was ruled incompetent to face charges, unable to understand his case or assist his attorneys.

In June, Judge Maria Cavalluzzi ordered Gledhill to undergo involuntary medication for one year to assess potential improvement. His mother indicated Gledhill had stopped taking medication for schizophrenia. Gledhill, 44, was arrested in June for murder and has not yet entered a plea.

Authorities responded to a call on June 3, 2026, finding the 81-year-old Handy at his Los Angeles home with a stab wound to the chest. The 911 caller identified himself as the son of the victim. Handy, known for roles in "Jumanji" and "Unbreakable," was pronounced dead at a hospital.

An autopsy report revealed Handy was involved in a verbal altercation that escalated physically. The report noted neck compression may have incapacitated him before the stabbing. His official cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries.