Los Angeles Police Department officers responded around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to a report of unknown trouble at a residence in the 19200 block of Erwin Street in the West Valley, police said.
Police said a 911 caller told dispatchers, "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."
Officers arrived to find Handy unconscious in the front yard with a stab wound to his chest, according to an LAPD news release. Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“The suspect flagged down nearby responding officers, telling them he was the one they were looking for,” the police said.
Authorities identified the suspect as Michael Gledhill, 44, of Tarzana, Los Angeles. He was arrested and booked on a murder charge under California Penal Code 187(a), with bail set at $2 million, police said.
Police said Gledhill lived at the residence with his mother, whom investigators described as Handy's girlfriend.
The LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives with the division's Valley Bureau Section or submit tips through Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.
He also appeared in television series including "The West Wing," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "Alias," "NYPD Blue," and "9-1-1."
The article highlighted Handy’s film work, noting that while many of his roles were supporting, his screen presence made a lasting impression on audiences. The publication also pointed to his performances in "Unbreakable" and "Logan," calling both films influential in the superhero genre and crediting Handy with bringing gravitas to even brief appearances.
"The parts weren't huge, but his presence could certainly be felt," the tribute stated.
Slashfilm said that in the 2017 film "Logan,” Handy played an elderly doctor who recognizes that Wolverine, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, is gravely ill and tries to persuade him to seek treatment before offering to examine him.
The article described the doctor's concern as genuine, saying he "sincerely wants to help Logan get better." Slashfilm also praised Handy's appearance, saying his characters approached the superhero genre with "uncommon invention and a deep sadness." The publication added, "They're rarities, just like James Handy."