Murder Investigation in West Valley Area 

June 5, 2026 – West Valley, CA – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that the Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Bureau Section is currently investigating a stabbing that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old man. (Later identified as actor James Handy)

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 9:30 a.m., West Valley area patrol officers responded to a radio call of unknown trouble in the 19200 block of Erwin Street. The 911 caller stated, “I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin.” Upon their arrival, officers discovered 81-year-old James Handy in the front yard of the residence, unconscious and suffering from a stab wound to his chest. The victim was transported to local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced deceased.

The suspect flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for. The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend.

Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, a resident of Tarzana. He was arrested and transported to Van Nuys Jail where he was booked for one count of 187(a) PC – Murder. His bail was set at $2,000,000.00 and was given booking No. 7251867.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Robbery-Homicide Division, Valley Section, Detective Simonyan or Detective Lopez, at (818) 374-9550. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to (310) 726-7700 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Source: Los Angeles Police Department