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
Lee Gilley case: Victim's family wants to know who is living in their dead daughter's home
Lee Gilley is accused of cutting off his ankle monitor and fleeing to Italy to avoid standing trial for his pregnant wife's murder. Now, the victim's family wants to know who's living in their dead daughter's house.
Couple near troubled Meyerland apartment complex finds bullet hole in home
A Meyerland couple says a bullet that pierced their bathroom wall has become the final straw after living near an apartment complex, long plagued by crime and code violations.
Former HPD officer indicted after allegedly placing GPS tracker on suspect's truck without warrant
A former Houston police officer accused of placing a GPS tracking device on a suspect's truck without a warrant has been indicted by a Harris County grand jury.
Father of 5 killed while tracking son's stolen truck, family questions why murder suspect was free
A Houston family is demanding answers after a father of five was shot and killed at an intersection over the weekend.
'It was a murder': Family awaits answers in deputy-involved shooting death of Texas State student
The father of 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. says he is waiting for answers after a Brazoria County Sheriff's deputy fatally shot his son inside the garage of their Lake Jackson home.
Chase suspect killed by Brazoria County deputy after attempted traffic stop, sheriff's office says
The driver's family identified him as 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. His family told ABC13 he was going to be a sophomore at Texas State.
Warrant: 2 Houston police officers under criminal investigation over secret tracking device
A warrant shows Texas Rangers have launched a criminal investigation into two Houston police officers who were allegedly involved in secretly placing a GPS tracking device on a suspect's vehicle without a warrant.
Ken Paxton wins GOP runoff for US Senate, ousting John Cornyn, AP projects
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating four-term Sen. John Cornyn, the Associated Press projects.
HPD officer resigns, sergeant suspended after investigation into unauthorized surveillance: Sources
An HPD sergeant was suspended, and another officer resigned after an investigation into allegations that they secretly placed a tracking device on a suspect's vehicle without a warrant, according to sources.
Federal indictment adds new victims to case against ex-Houston park ranger
Federal prosecutors have expanded the case against a former Houston park ranger, adding four new alleged victims and bringing the total to 12 in a superseding indictment unsealed Tuesday.