Jessica Willey
Since joining the Eyewitness News Team in 2000, she has reported from Iraq, Kuwait, Germany, Mexico and Italy, as well as from across the country on some of the biggest stories in the world. World Series wins, Osama bin Laden's killing, Hurricane Katrina, Pope John Paul II's death and the War in Iraq have been some of the most memorable. In 2013, Jessica was the first local reporter "live" from Boston hours after the deadly Boston Marathon bombings. Additionally, she has had a front-row seat to all the major hurricanes and tropical storms that have hit Texas and Louisiana in her more than two decades with ABC13.
Jessica has been honored for her work. She has won several regional Emmy awards for her work on documentaries and daily reports. The Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association has recognized her for her reporting and the American Women in Radio and Television awarded her a national Gracie Award for a program about a controversial museum exhibition from Germany.
Jessica came to ABC13 from FOX25/KOKH-TV in Oklahoma City. She started her career in Denison, Texas. Jessica graduated from Boston University. During college, she spent a semester abroad in England and was a member of BU's Varsity Crew Team. Now she challenges herself by running marathons and half marathons. She has qualified for and finished the Boston Marathon twice!
Over the years, Jessica has held board positions for several charitable organizations. She and her husband, a native Houstonian, have three children and two dogs who keep them very busy outside of work and other commitments.
Jessica's Stories
Man wanted, charged with murdering woman, injuring 3 others in Sunnyside, HPD says
An accused killer is on the run after Houston police say he ambushed a group inside a car at a Sunnyside home, killing one woman and wounding three others.
Man killed after fight between KIPP middle school girls in southwest Houston, HPD says
A man is dead and another is injured after shots were fired amid an argument between KIPP middle school girls in southwest Houston on Monday, according to HPD.
Execution date set for Houston jeweler's killer 30 years after $3.5M diamond heist
Thirty years after a Houston jeweler was murdered in a multimillion-dollar diamond heist, the man convicted of killing him has his execution date set.
State report reveals prior drug allegation involving mother before 2 young sisters drowned
Newly released state records reveal Child Protective Services investigated a drug allegation involving the mother of two young sisters nearly two years before the girls drowned in their family's backyard pool with cocaine in their systems.
Jury awards Watson Grinding explosion survivors more than $61 million in latest verdict against 3M
A Harris County jury has awarded more than $61 million to survivors of the deadly 2020 Watson Grinding explosion, marking the latest multimillion-dollar verdict against 3M over the disaster.
Two toddlers killed in Liberty County camper fire
Two young siblings were killed in a camper fire in Liberty County early Tuesday morning despite firefighters crawling inside the burning structure in an attempt to save them.
Records reveal investigation that led Lamar CISD to fire, then reinstate police chief, lieutenant
Newly obtained records reveal more about the investigation that led Lamar Consolidated ISD to fire its police chief and a lieutenant before later reinstating both as part of negotiated separation agreements.
Former HCSO deputy charged with sexually assaulting teen girl, months after termination: Records
A former Harris County sheriff's deputy is charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl after court records state he communicated with her through a dating app and picked her up earlier this year.
'The system is whack': Retired teacher says unlicensed care home highlights high cost of healthcare
According to court records, investigators recently found bedridden residents living in the home without an automatic fire sprinkler or fire alarm system.
Records: Woman charged after bedridden patients found in home with no fire safety protections
Authorities found multiple patients inside the home, including at least two who could not walk and were confined to hospital beds.