Beloved Greek-American Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston was the target of a disturbing incident after a man accused of stalking her for months crashed his car into the gate of her Bel Air home. He now faces felony charges of stalking and vandalism.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jimmy Wayne Carwyle of New Albany, Mississippi, was taken into custody at the scene on Monday. Prosecutors said he had repeatedly sent the actress unwanted messages through social media, voicemail, and email over two months.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the charges include an aggravating factor, citing the threat of serious bodily harm.
Aniston, one of television’s most recognizable figures, was born in Los Angeles but has strong ties to her Greek heritage. Her late father, actor John Aniston—born Yannis Anastassakis—was originally from the island of Crete.
She spent part of her early childhood in Greece before her family settled in New York. The actress has often shared memories of her cultural traditions and close family bonds.
In a statement, District Attorney Nathan Hochman described stalking as a dangerous crime that can quickly turn violent.
“Stalking is a crime that can quickly escalate from harassment to dangerous, violent actions, threatening the safety of victims and our communities,” he said, adding that his office remains committed to prosecuting those who harass and intimidate others.
Sources close to the investigation said Aniston was inside the home at the time of the crash. Private security personnel detained the suspect until police arrived.
Jennifer Aniston’s alleged stalker set to be arraigned after crashing into her mansion’s front gate while she was home. pic.twitter.com/qqUIntjqv1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 8, 2025
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Threat Management Unit, which has previously handled incidents involving Aniston, is leading the investigation.
Although Carwyle has a minor criminal history, officials said he was not under investigation for any behavior involving Aniston before Monday’s event.
Carwyle appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty. Observers said he stood behind a glass enclosure, shirtless and covered with a blanket.
Due to concerns about his mental state, the judge suspended criminal proceedings and ordered a mental competency evaluation. A hearing in mental health court is scheduled for May 22.
The court set Jennifer Aniston’s stalker’s bail at $150,000. If released, he is barred from contacting Aniston, going near her home, or possessing any firearms. He does not currently have an attorney listed in court records. If convicted, he faces up to three years in state prison.
Aniston’s representatives have declined to comment on the case.
