Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Medical Examiner Rules James Handy’s Death a Homicide

The autopsy identifies multiple traumatic injuries including a stab wound to the torso and neck compression, prompting a homicide ruling and a court order committing the accused to treatment before trial.

Overview

  • Police say a verbal argument at a Tarzana home on June 3 turned physical when 44-year-old Michael Gledhill allegedly mounted James Handy, went inside, returned with what appeared to be a knife, and stabbed him.
  • The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner on July 14 ruled Handy’s death a homicide and listed the immediate cause as multiple traumatic injuries including a stab wound to the torso that injured the heart and liver and neck compression.
  • A 911 call recorded the caller saying, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,” and officers say the suspect later flagged down police and identified himself to investigators.
  • Prosecutors charged Gledhill with one count of murder and a special allegation of personally using a deadly weapon; he is held on $2 million bail and has not entered a plea.
  • A judge found Gledhill mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered involuntary treatment at a state facility to try to restore competency, pausing criminal proceedings while medical care is provided.