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
'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.
Family demands answers after suspect in 4 brutal attacks had prior violent charge dismissed
The family of a man being kept alive by life support is demanding answers after learning the suspect accused of attacking him recently had a violent criminal charge dismissed and was referred to a mental health diversion program.
Suspect in 2 brutal attacks completed mental health diversion program before arrest, records show
A man accused of carrying out two violent attacks last week had a previous violent charge dismissed after completing a mental health diversion program five months ago, records show.
Mayor Whitmire, HPD chief ask Texas Rangers for independent investigation into deadly ICE shooting
One week after 52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed during an ICE operation in Houston's East End, dozens of residents packed Houston City Hall to demand an independent investigation and greater accountability from local leaders.
Welcome home canceled for Houston-area pastor convicted in child sex sting set for parole release
A Houston-area pastor convicted in an online child sex sting is scheduled to be released from prison Tuesday after serving less than half of his 25-year sentence.
Lamar CISD reinstates police chief and lieutenant weeks after firing them
Just weeks after firing its police chief and a lieutenant for what their attorneys called "conduct unbecoming of an officer," Lamar Consolidated ISD has reinstated both employees following appeals.
Cases tied to Houston police officer fired over racist video include murder, robbery and DWI
The Houston police officer who was fired after posting a racially charged and profanity-laced video on social media was involved in dozens of misdemeanor and felony cases, according to a review by ABC13.
Owner of burning recycling facility tied to COVID-era fraud scheme, records say
Residents watched a massive fire burn for hours Tuesday at a metal recycling facility, raising concerns about air quality as thick black smoke billowed over the neighborhood.
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.