Erik Barajas
A true Texas journalist, Erik has worked as an anchor and a reporter all over the state. He came to Houston from KSAT 12 in San Antonio where he was a weekend anchor and reporter for four years.
His television career began in Corpus Christi, Texas at KZTV 10 where he wore several hats. He worked as a news photographer, reporter, producer and anchor. He says his involvement in all those different positions helped give him an understanding and perspective of the challenges it takes to produce the news. He later moved to Austin, Texas and to KTBC Fox 7 to be that station's weekend anchor and reporter.
One of the most notable stories Erik covered has been the crash of the space shuttle Columbia on the borders of Texas and Louisiana. Erik has also traveled to Louisiana to cover the Gulf Oil spill, and he reported from Austin, Texas, to cover President Barack Obama's visit there.
He says working in Houston at KTRK-TV is "a true blessing" because he can do what he does for a living "in front of family and friends". He adds, "Staying in Texas throughout my career, thus far has been eye opening in terms of really getting to know the state on a deeper level and realizing just how diverse this state really is."
Erik is married. He and his wife have two young boys and are very happy to be back in their hometown.
If you have a story idea for Erik, please email him at erik.barajas@abc.com.
Erik's Stories
Alleged rape victim provided HPD with suspect's name, address, but case took backseat, Chron reports
Illustrating the toll of tens of thousands of suspended cases, ABC13's partners at the Houston Chronicle report that an alleged rape victim provided police with enough info to pursue an arrest, but the case was halted. The suspect in that case allegedly went on to commit another rape.
Mexican spirit animal alebrijes represents vast history of artist's imagination
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, ABC13's Erik Barajas delves into the origin story of alebrijes and how this mythical creature became a mainstay of Mexican culture.
Significant rise in syphilis cases in Houston area linked to pregnant women, health department says
The large rise is being linked to pregnant women who should be tested during their first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and at delivery, the Houston Health Department said.
Eagle Lake PD chief fired over cover-up allegations
One of the allegations involves an officer who was charged with impersonation. The former chief is also accused of downplaying allegations of sexual harassment against another officer.
Survivor of 2018 Santa Fe High School mass shooting makes TV debut during American Idol audition
Trey Louis said he wants to shine a positive light on the Santa Fe community five years after a mass shooting claimed the life of his best friend, who he will honor during his audition.
Moms with postpartum depression should make use of state-supported programs, HHS study shows
New mothers should be on the lookout for signs of postpartum depression, and use several state-supported programs a new study reveals.
Houston bail bondsman believes armed robbery was inside job: 'They knew who to go after'
The victims were robbed as they were closing up for the night. One suspect shot the owner's father, while a second suspect robbed his wife.
Galena Park ISD not waiting for legislators to debate changes to school security
Galena Park ISD said they are taking matters into their own hands, deciding what they feel offers the best protection for their students and staff.
Harris Co. commissioners are only listing donors' names, not occupations, investigation finds
An investigation, from our partners at the Houston Chronicle, followed the money from political donors to Harris County commissioners. Here's what it found.
Houston dad of 3 returns home after battling COVID-19 for 109 days: 'COVID is real'
"People who didn't believe in the shot went and got the shot because of what happened to me. And the COVID is real. I'm not going to lie."