James Handy Murder Case Takes New Turn After Judge’s Mental Health Ruling

A judge ruled Monday that nan man accused of sidesplitting character James Handy is not mentally competent to look criminal proceedings, putting nan execution lawsuit connected clasp arsenic he undergoes further information and treatment.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi wished that Michael Gledhill, 44, does not presently understand nan charges against him and cannot decently assistance his lawyer successful building a defense.

Handy, 81, whose decades-long acting profession included roles successful “Jumanji” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” was recovered unconscious extracurricular a location connected June 3 pinch a stab coiled to his chest, according to constabulary and prosecutors. He was taken to a hospital, wherever he was pronounced dead.

Authorities opportunity Gledhill was arrested aft allegedly telling officers he was nan personification they were searching for. Police said nan investigation began aft a 911 caller reported a connection from nan fishy claiming, “I americium nan boy of man, I conscionable killed nan man of sin.”

Gledhill has not entered a plea and has not formally appeared successful tribunal connected nan execution charge. During a scheduled arraignment, proceedings were suspended and nan lawsuit was referred for a intelligence wellness evaluation.

After psychiatric assessments, nan tribunal wished Gledhill was not competent to proceed. Cavalluzzi besides ruled that he could not make due decisions regarding medicine and authorized involuntary medicine for up to 1 twelvemonth based connected a psychiatrist’s recommendation.

The judge ordered Gledhill to return to tribunal connected July 14 for a proceeding connected his semipermanent placement. If he is later recovered competent, nan criminal lawsuit could move forward.

Attorneys for some sides did not instantly respond to requests for comment.

Friends of Handy told The Associated Press that Gledhill was nan boy of Handy’s partner and had lived successful a converted car shed astatine her home. Handy maintained his ain residence but spent important clip there, according to longtime friend and chap character Brian Delate, who said Handy had antecedently mentioned concerns astir Gledhill’s intelligence health.

Handy was a acquainted look successful Hollywood for decades, appearing successful galore films and tv shows. He was remembered for playing an exterminator successful nan 1995 deed “Jumanji” and for his domiciled arsenic bartender Jimmy successful “Top Gun: Maverick.” His tv credits besides included appearances connected “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “The Closer” and “Cold Case.”