The partner of Top Gun: Maverick star James Handy has recounted the actor's tragic final moments before he was fatally stabbed. Wendy Gledhill, who had been with Handy for 31 years, spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about the morning of the incident.
Details of the Fatal Morning
Wendy explained that on June 3, Handy, 81, got up around 9 a.m. to retrieve the newspaper, but he did not make coffee as he usually did. She recalled, "I just heard the door open because he was getting the paper." Wendy was still in bed and thought nothing unusual was happening. She later assumed that her son, Michael Gledhill, was already outside and that an argument began on the front yard.
Thirty minutes later, the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at their three-bedroom home. Wendy stated, "The first time I heard something was happening was when the police showed up. They said someone had called 911 and told me someone was wrapped in a blanket outside the house." She did not initially realize the victim was Handy. Police instructed her to move away from the door, fearing a dangerous individual was still at large.
Mental Health Crisis
Wendy believes her son Michael, 44, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, suffered a mental health crisis after stopping his medication the week prior. She said, "So I don't think he was taking it at the time [of the alleged attack], but I don't know for sure." Michael had been living with Wendy and Handy. Wendy expressed her devastation, saying she has not left the home since the tragedy. "I was with James for 31 years and of course I loved him dearly. This is so difficult."
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Handy, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Jumanji, was found unconscious and bleeding from multiple stab wounds to the chest. He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead. Michael Gledhill was arrested and charged with one count of murder after calling emergency services with a chilling confession. He faces up to 26 years in prison.
This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.
