The American actor James Handy, known for his roles in *The West Wing* and *Hill Street Blues*, has been stabbed to death in his home in the Boyle Heights neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Police arrested the 17 year old son of Handy’s girlfriend at the scene. The teenager has been booked on suspicion of murder.
Officers responded to a 911 call late on Tuesday evening. They found Handy, 75, with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody without incident. A knife believed to be the murder weapon was recovered.
Neighbours reported hearing a disturbance from the residence shortly before the emergency call. One neighbour, Rosa Martinez, said: “I heard shouting, a woman screaming for help. Then it went quiet. It is a quiet street, this is not normal for us.”
Handy’s girlfriend, who has not been named, was also in the home at the time. She was unharmed but taken to hospital for shock. The relationship between her and her son is under investigation. Police say the motive is not yet clear.
The case falls under California’s juvenile justice system. The suspect is being held at a juvenile detention centre. He will face a hearing in the coming days. Because of his age, details are limited.
Friends and colleagues expressed shock and grief. Handy was a respected character actor whose career spanned four decades. He appeared in dozens of television shows and films, including *Thelma & Louise* and *Seinfeld*. His agent issued a statement calling him “a kind and generous man, a true professional, and a friend to all who knew him.”
The investigation is ongoing. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The news has sent ripples through the Hollywood community, with many taking to social media to pay tribute. This is a tragic end to a life dedicated to the craft of storytelling. And for the family involved, it is a nightmare that no one could have predicted.
