TOP Gun: Maverick actor James Handy has been stabbed to death with his girlfriend’s son telling cops in a 911 call: “I just killed the man”.
The 81-year-old, who also starred in Logan and Jumanji, was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds to his chest on his front yard.
Authorities rushed to the scene in Tarzana, Los Angeles on Wednesday morning at around 9.30am after receiving a chilling 911 call.
Police revealed a voice at the end of the line said: “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.”
Officials rushed to James’ home on Erwin Street and raced him to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Some time later, 44-year-old Michael Gledhill – the son of James’ partner – waved down officers as they searched near the home.
Gledhill confessed to carrying out the fatal attack and said he was the one who phoned the police, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Gledhill was arrested for murder and taken to Van Nuys Jail with his bail set at $2,000,000.
The LAPD statement said: “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.”
A motive for the attack remains unclear.
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Neighbors have claimed Gledhill and James were overheard arguing overnight.
The star’s talent agent, Pam Ellis-Evenas, paid tribute saying: “With great sadness I can confirm that the gentleman who was attacked and killed on Wednesday in Tarzana was the actor James Handy.”
James’ career spanned almost five decades with his most recent major role being in Tom Cruise’s Hollywood sequel Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.
He played the role of bartender Jimmy.
Another memorable role for James came in 2017 superhero flick Logan as he played the doctor who treated lead man Hugh Jackman.
James also starred in 1995 cult classic Jumanji alongside Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt and Kirsten Dunst.
His career featured several TV credits such as the role of Arthur Devlin in eight episodes of Alias and recurring stints on Melrose Place and NYPD Blue.
James’ tragic death comes less than a year after Hollywood icon Rob Reiner, 78, had his throat slit inside his LA home.
Son Nick, 32, is currently in jail after being accused of killing both Rob and his mum Michelle, 68, while they were in bed on December 14, 2025.
Nick has pleaded not guilty on both counts of murder and is awaiting trial.