More details about Top Gun: Maverick star James Handy’s cause of death have been revealed.
A new report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, June 12, confirmed that Handy died from a stab wound to the torso. The actor also suffered “neck compression.”
A neck compression, also known as cervical myelopath, can be caused by “natural changes to your body as you age” or by pressure against the spinal cord in the neck, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can cause neck pain, muscle weakness and numbness.
The Los Angeles Police Department previously confirmed that they responded to a call at Handy’s home on June 3.
“The 911 caller stated, ‘I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin,’” a statement from the police department read earlier this month. “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.”
Handy was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities.
Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s longtime partner, Wendy Gledhill, was taken into police custody following the actor’s death. The LAPD statement claimed that Michael, 44, “flagged down nearby responding officers” after Handy’s murder and told them that “he was the one they were looking for.”
“The suspect resides at the location with his mother, who is the victim’s girlfriend,” the LAPD statement concluded. “Detectives believe this is an isolated incident and there appears to be no danger to the public at this time.”
Michael was charged with one count of murder following his arrest. Bail was set at $2 million and he is facing 26 years in state prison if convicted. Michael is expected to appear in mental health court on Monday, June 22.
Days after the fatal stabbing, Wendy spoke to the Daily Mail and detailed the final moments leading up to Handy’s death.
“They started to argue, from my understanding, on the front yard,” she said on Tuesday, June 9, referring to Michael and Handy. “I didn’t know what was going on. The first time I heard something was happening was when the police showed up.”
Wendy added, “They said someone had called 911 and they told me someone was wrapped in a blanket outside the house. At first, I didn’t know who they were talking about. Then they told me to get away from the door because they thought there was still someone dangerous outside.”
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