LOS ANGELES (AP) – A Los Angeles judge is currently deliberating on the treatment and placement of Jimmy Wayne Carwyle, a 48-year-old man charged with stalking actress Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car into the front gate of her home. Carwyle, originally from Mississippi, has pleaded not guilty to felony stalking and vandalism. In May, Judge Maria Cavalluzzi determined that Carwyle was not competent to stand trial following evaluations from two mental health experts. During a court hearing focused on mental health issues on Friday, the judge listened to arguments concerning Carwyle's treatment and housing options.
For the first time, Aniston’s lawyer, Blair Berk, represented her interests by highlighting the serious nature of Carwyle's harassment over the past two years, which included multiple failed attempts to make physical contact with the actress. Prosecutors allege that Carwyle not only sent Aniston a barrage of voicemail, email, and social media messages but also drove his Chrysler PT Cruiser through the gate of her Bel Air residence, perilously close to where she was located, on May 5.
Judge Cavalluzzi indicated a preference for an alternative mental health treatment option instead of imprisonment. She scheduled another hearing for later this month to consult with a mental health professional before making a final ruling. Both prosecutors and Aniston's attorney will have the opportunity to express their opinions during this follow-up hearing. The judge acknowledged Aniston's “very real” fear stemming from the stalking incidents, but she emphasized that the evaluations from mental health professionals must also be considered, as they deemed Carwyle not to be a danger to society.
The pattern of harassment reportedly began approximately two years prior, culminating in Carwyle’s alarming actions. Court discussions revealed that Carwyle harbored a “persistent delusion” regarding wanting to impregnate Aniston with three children. Berk showed concern that an alternative treatment setting in Los Angeles might enable Carwyle to travel to Aniston's vicinity. It was noted that he attempted to breach her property on two occasions but was rebuffed both times.
Carwyle’s attorney, Robert Krauss, argued that his client qualifies for alternative treatment since he has not been convicted of any violent crimes. He insisted that granting such treatment would not be a leniency but an adherence to legal principles. Additionally, Krauss referred to a probation department report that suggested probation and a comparatively minimal jail term would be appropriate if Carwyle were convicted, highlighting the potential for release due to time served, considering he has been incarcerated since May.
During the hearing, Carwyle expressed his understanding of his mental health issues, stating he “wasn’t right in the head” when he sent the messages to Aniston. He mentioned that medication has helped him focus and he acknowledged his past mistakes. However, when questioned by Judge Cavalluzzi on whether he would comply with treatment protocols and not abscond from the program, Carwyle simply replied, “You have my word.”
Berk emphasized the danger that Carwyle posed, noting that he traveled thousands of miles in pursuit of Aniston over the course of a year, motivated by delusions that demanded contact. She reiterated that his messaging made clear his intent to not only contact Aniston but to inflict criminal acts against her, including sexual violence. Deputy District Attorney William Donovan advocated for state hospital treatment as a more secure and effective option for Carwyle to address his delusions, arguing that there was persistent evidence of his compulsions, even while on medication.
At this juncture, Carwyle remains in custody, having not been granted bail, and is under a court order prohibiting any contact with Aniston. Authorities reported that Aniston was at home during the gate incident but thankfully did not come into direct contact with Carwyle, who was detained by a security guard until police arrived. Although there was no physical injury, the situation has raised serious concerns about the potential for future threats, particularly given the aggravating circumstance regarding the threat of great bodily harm.
Aniston has gained substantial recognition as an actress, particularly for her role in the iconic television series “Friends,” and continues to star in projects such as “The Morning Show.” The case remains open as further hearings are scheduled to determine Carwyle's mental health treatment options and to ensure the safety of Jennifer Aniston.
