Overview
- James Handy, an 81‑year‑old character actor, was found with stab wounds in the front yard of a Tarzana home and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
- Police say a 44‑year‑old man who lived in the house and is the son of Handy’s life partner called 911 with a religiously framed statement, met officers at the scene and was arrested.
- The suspect was booked on a murder charge, held in Van Nuys custody with bail set at $2 million, and prosecutors have filed charges that include the use of a deadly weapon.
- Authorities describe the incident as isolated and ask the public for information while investigators review surveillance video and the 911 call as part of evidence collection.
- Family comments to media that the suspect has a reported history of schizophrenia and reports that he stopped medication are developing details that may factor into a psychiatric review and pretrial proceedings, and the case proceeds through Los Angeles criminal process.