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Judge finds man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston is mentally incompetent to stand trial

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Original Story by ABC News
May 29, 2025
Judge finds man charged with stalking Jennifer Aniston is mentally incompetent to stand trial

Context:

A judge in Los Angeles County declared Jimmy Wayne Carwyle mentally incompetent to stand trial for stalking Jennifer Aniston and crashing his car through her front gate. This decision followed evaluations by two psychiatrists who agreed on Carwyle's mental incapacity, leading to the suspension of criminal proceedings. Carwyle, who pleaded not guilty, had argued for his competence but accepted a second opinion after an initial incompetence finding. The court ordered further mental evaluations to determine his treatment and holding conditions, with a report due at a June 26 hearing where Aniston's perspective may be presented. Prosecutors accuse Carwyle of a two-year harassment campaign against Aniston, culminating in the destructive incident at her Bel Air home, where a security guard restrained him until police arrived.

Dive Deeper:

  • Judge Maria Cavalluzzi found Jimmy Wayne Carwyle mentally incompetent to stand trial on charges of stalking Jennifer Aniston and vandalism, resulting in the suspension of criminal proceedings. This decision followed assessments by two psychiatrists who agreed on his mental incapacity.

  • Carwyle has pleaded not guilty to the charges but had initially contested the incompetence finding, seeking a second opinion. Despite his arguments, the court upheld the incompetence ruling, affecting the progression of his trial.

  • During the court appearance, Carwyle looked significantly different from previous hearings, now clean-shaven and dressed in jail attire, contrasting his earlier appearances in a suicide prevention smock.

  • The incompetence finding is indefinite but temporary, allowing for the possibility of resuming standard criminal proceedings in the future. The judge has ordered comprehensive mental evaluations to inform decisions about Carwyle's treatment and holding conditions.

  • A hearing is scheduled for June 26, where the results of the evaluations will be presented, and Jennifer Aniston or her attorney can provide their perspective. Aniston's lawyer was present at the courtroom but chose not to comment publicly.

  • Prosecutors allege Carwyle harassed Aniston with numerous voicemails, emails, and social media messages for two years before driving his car into her Bel Air home, causing significant property damage. A security guard detained him until police arrived, preventing any direct contact with Aniston.

  • Jennifer Aniston, who gained fame on 'Friends' and currently stars in 'The Morning Show,' was at her home during the incident but was unharmed. The court proceedings continue to draw attention given her high-profile status.

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