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Man Accused of Stalking Jennifer Aniston Deemed Unfit for Trial, Seeks Second Opinion
LOS ANGELES — A man accused of stalking Jennifer Aniston and ramming his vehicle through the front gate of her residence has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial. However, he requested a second opinion during a court hearing on Thursday. The case highlights concerns around celebrity harassment and the legal processes involved.
Court Appearance and Mental Evaluation
Jimmy Wayne Carwyle, 48, of Mississippi, appeared in custody behind a glass partition at a Hollywood courthouse specializing in mental health cases. He was observed with a long, gray beard and wearing a thick, blue smock typically used in jails for suicide prevention measures.
- Carwyle was evaluated by a county-appointed psychiatrist.
- The psychiatrist determined the defendant was incompetent to stand trial.
Deputy Public Defender Robert Krauss informed the judge of the evaluation, while standing near his client, separated by the glass. Krauss stated that Carwyle, exercising his right, desired an additional evaluation from a different psychiatrist.
Legal Proceedings and Future Hearings
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavaluzzi granted the reevaluation request and scheduled a subsequent hearing for May 29.
Both Krauss, the defense attorney, the prosecuting attorney, and the attorney observing the hearing on behalf of Aniston, declined to comment outside the courtroom.
Allegations of Harassment and Property Damage
Prosecutors claim Carwyle had been harassing the “Friends” actress with a multitude of voicemail, email, and social media messages for a span of two years. This culminated in him driving his Chrysler PT Cruiser through the gate of her Los Angeles home in the affluent Bel Air neighborhood on May 5, resulting in significant property damage.
Charges and Plea
- Carwyle pleaded not guilty to felony stalking and vandalism during his initial court appearance.
- Criminal proceedings were paused pending the psychological evaluation.
Carwyle remains in custody, with a judge’s order prohibiting him from contacting or approaching Aniston.
Details of the Incident
Authorities reported that Aniston was at home during the gate incident, but there was no direct contact between her and Carwyle. A security guard detained him in her driveway until law enforcement arrived. No injuries were reported.
Potential Penalties and Further Evaluation
Carwyle also faces an aggravating circumstance related to the potential threat of substantial bodily harm. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to three years. Should Carwyle be deemed incompetent again, the judge could order his placement in a state mental hospital for treatment and continued assessment.
Aside from requesting a protective order for Aniston, prosecutors have not expressed their position on Carwyle’s competency status and remained silent during Thursday’s hearing.
Jennifer Aniston’s Career
Aniston achieved widespread fame during her 10-year tenure on NBC’s “Friends.” She received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy for her performance and has garnered nine additional nominations. She currently stars in “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+.