Judge Rules 44-Year-Old Michael Gledhill Unfit for Trial in James Handy Killing
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 23
Judge Rules 44-Year-Old Michael Gledhill Unfit for Trial in James Handy Killing
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 23
Summary
A Los Angeles judge found Michael Gledhill, 44, mentally incompetent to stand trial over the stabbing death of actor James Handy, ruling he cannot understand the case or assist in his defense.
July 14 is Gledhill's next court date, when the court will decide where he will be housed and treated in an effort to restore competency so criminal proceedings can continue.
Public defenders said the finding does not address guilt or innocence, while stressing that the murder allegation remains serious and Handy's death remains a profound loss.
Police say Gledhill called from the home on June 3, then flagged down officers and identified himself as the suspect; Handy, 81, later died of a stab wound and neck compression.
Gledhill was charged with one count of murder and held on $2 million bail in the killing of Handy, whose credits included "Top Gun: Maverick," "Jumanji" and "Alias."