Channel 5 news presenter Jennifer Faith has courageously broken her silence about a two-year stalking horror that saw a deranged US Marine veteran steal her underwear and issue chilling death threats.
The award-winning broadcaster, known to millions of viewers, described how she was forced to flee her London home after becoming the target of Jamie Darrin Lopez's obsessive campaign of terror.
The nightmare began in 2021 when Lopez, a 25-year-old American former serviceman, started sending hundreds of disturbing messages via Instagram and email. His fixation quickly escalated from professing love to making violent threats when she didn't respond.
The Chilling Threats
Faith revealed the most terrifying moment came when Lopez sent a message stating: 'If I can't have you, no one will. I will kill you.' The threat was accompanied by a photograph of her own home, proving he knew exactly where she lived.
Even more disturbing was the discovery that Lopez had somehow gained access to her property and stolen intimate items including her underwear - which he later bragged about in his messages.
Life in Fear
The persistent harassment took an enormous toll on Faith's mental health and professional life. 'I was looking over my shoulder constantly,' she confessed. 'I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat properly. I had to move out of my own home because I no longer felt safe there.'
She installed extensive security measures including CCTV cameras and changed her daily routines, constantly fearing that Lopez might appear at any moment.
Legal Resolution
Lopez was eventually tracked down by authorities and pleaded guilty to stalking involving serious alarm or distress. In August 2023, he received a 21-month prison sentence suspended for two years and was handed a five-year restraining order.
The court heard how Lopez had created multiple fake social media accounts to continue his harassment after being blocked, demonstrating his determination to maintain contact despite clear rejection.
A Message of Strength
Faith is now speaking out to raise awareness about stalking and encourage other victims to come forward. 'This wasn't a crush - this was a crime,' she stated emphatically. 'No one should have to live in fear like I did.'
She praised the police for their handling of her case while highlighting the need for better understanding of the psychological impact stalking has on victims.
The brave broadcaster has since returned to her home but admits the experience has permanently changed her. 'You never really forget that feeling of being watched, of being hunted,' she shared. 'But I'm determined not to let him win by keeping me silent.'
