Christopher “CJ” Precopia’s life was turned upside down when he was falsely accused of brutally attacking his ex-girlfriend. The 21-year-old man was facing a possible 99-year prison sentence, but a casual selfie taken by his mother provided the critical evidence needed to clear his name.
The events unfolded on September 22, 2017, when CJ was arrested at his workplace in Georgetown, Texas. He was charged with first-degree felony burglary of a habitation with intent to commit additional felonies. The alleged victim, CJ’s ex-girlfriend Faith Cox, claimed that he had broken into her home, attacked her, and carved an “X” into her chest with a box cutter.
Despite the lack of physical evidence, CJ was taken to the Williamson County Jail, where his parents managed to secure his release by posting a $150,000 bond. The family then embarked on a relentless fight to prove CJ’s innocence.
The turning point in the case came when CJ’s mother, Erin, produced a selfie she had taken on the same day as the alleged attack. The photo showed CJ, Erin, and a group of friends at a hotel in Austin, about 70 miles away from Cox’s home. The timestamp and geolocation data on the photo proved that CJ could not have committed the crime.
The evidence was presented to the prosecutors, who subsequently dismissed the charge “in the interest of justice.” Cox was later charged with filing a false report, and CJ was finally able to put the ordeal behind him.
CJ’s story highlights the importance of digital evidence and the flaws within the justice system. It also serves as a reminder that false accusations can have devastating consequences, and that the truth can often be revealed through unexpected means.
