Man who crashed into Jennifer Aniston's gate charged with stalking and vandalism
Jennifer Aniston, actress best known for "Friends" (Photo: Getty Images)
A Mississippi man obsessed with actress Jennifer Aniston has been charged with felony stalking and vandalism after crashing his car into the gate of her Los Angeles home, according to AP News.
Jimmy Wayne Carwyle, 48, reportedly harassed Aniston for days through social media, email, and voicemails before ramming his vehicle into her Bel-Air property's front gate on Monday.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office stated that Carwyle was detained by a security guard at the scene and later arrested by police.
"The defendant is accused of repeatedly harassing the victim," prosecutors said, adding that the incident caused "substantial damage" to the property.
Carwyle has a history of disturbing online behavior, including repeated claims that unknown entities are keeping him away from Aniston.
"If someone out there can reach Jennifer Joanna Aniston Carwyle, let her know about the corruption going on trying to keep Me from her, you will be Blessed!" he posted in October.
Officials said he is facing an aggravating factor of posing a threat of great bodily harm, with prosecutors requesting a $150,000 bail.
Friends say mental health declined during pandemic
According to longtime acquaintances, Carwyle's mental state has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
He left Mississippi last September and has been living in his car near a Walmart in Burbank.
"He quit his job five years ago and has been on a downward spiral ever since," said Steve Rhea, a friend who expressed concern over Carwyle's delusions, including his belief that he is married to Aniston and is a Christ-like figure.
Another friend, Marty Merritt, voiced deep concern: "I really hate that this happened to Miss Aniston; this was terrible. But since it did, the only thing I hope is this would get enough attention, attention that could get Jimmy some help. He needs some serious help. This is rock bottom."
Carwyle is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday and could face up to three years in state prison if convicted.
Aniston was reportedly home at the time of the crash but was unharmed, law enforcement confirmed.
