LOS ANGELES — A judge ruled on Thursday that a man accused of stalking actress Jennifer Aniston and crashing his vehicle through her front gate is mentally unfit to stand trial. The decision came during proceedings in a Los Angeles County mental health court, after a second psychiatric evaluation confirmed the first finding regarding the defendant’s mental health.
Judge Maria Cavalluzzi stated, “The court finds the defendant is not currently competent to stand trial,” resulting in the suspension of criminal proceedings against 48-year-old Jimmy Wayne Carwyle, who is from Mississippi. Following procedural rules, Carwyle pleaded not guilty, but did not speak during the hearing. Appearing in the courtroom, he bore a strikingly different appearance, having cut his scraggly gray hair and beard and trading in his previous custody uniform for bright yellow jail clothing.
Carwyle originally contested the mental incompetence finding and sought a second psychiatric assessment after the initial determination was made last week. Deputy Public Defender Robert Krauss noted, “It’s not the outcome my client would have preferred” in reference to the latest ruling.
The charges against Carwyle include felony vandalism and stalking, which carry a possible sentence of up to three years in prison, especially due to the circumstances indicating a threat of serious bodily harm. While the incompetence ruling is temporary and does not have a definitive end, it does pause the criminal justice process and leaves open the possibility of resuming proceedings in the future.
To further evaluate Carwyle’s mental state, Judge Cavalluzzi mandated additional comprehensive mental health assessments, outlining a plan for his treatment and housing. A follow-up hearing is set for June 26, during which the judge will receive a report on the evaluations; Aniston or her legal representative will also have the chance to address the court.
In the courtroom for the hearing was Aniston’s attorney, Blair Berk, who chose not to make any statements regarding the situation. Both Berk and the deputy district attorney assigned to the case declined to comment outside of the courtroom.
According to prosecutors, Carwyle had reportedly been sending Aniston a barrage of unsolicited messages via voicemail, email, and social media over a two-year period before his dramatic intrusion on May 5. That day, he drove his Chrysler PT Cruiser through the gate of her home located in an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood, causing significant damage. Fortunately, Aniston was inside at the time and did not come into contact with Carwyle, and no injuries were reported.
Jennifer Aniston gained fame for her role as Rachel Green on the hit sitcom “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004, earning her an Emmy Award and numerous nominations. She currently stars in the Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show.”
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