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
Lamar CISD police chief, lieutenant fired amid investigation involving 'embarrassing facts'
Lamar CISD Police Chief Henry Garcia and a lieutenant have been fired as part of an investigation first reported in February, ABC13 has learned, leaving the district's police department without a chief.
Governor threatens to pull $110M in public safety funds over Houston's new immigration policy
The City of Houston is being warned to change or repeal its new immigration policy or risk losing $110 million in public safety funding.
Stray bullet hits mom holding newborn at her apartment in west Houston, HPD says
A mother said her newborn was in her arms when a stray bullet hit her on Saturday. Her daughter was treated at the hospital and released.
Galveston County DA says man indicted for alleged role in 'Texas Killing Fields' case
Authorities said James Dolphs Elmore Jr., of Bacliff, was indicted for manslaughter and tampering in connection with the murder of Laura Miller, as well as an additional tampering with evidence charge in the death of Audrey Cook.
First woman leads Texas' oldest prison, making history at Huntsville Unit
For 175 years, the oldest prison in Texas was led by men. Now, for the first time, a woman is in charge.
Wanted sex offender who was pretending to be someone else arrested after 18 years, police say
According to police, the man, who police said has two open warrants in a child sex assault case, carried fake ID and has been evading police for 18 years.
Convicted murderer accused of running high-tech crime ring inside Texas prison
A newly-released search warrant reveals an alleged organized crime ring operating from inside a Texas prison, involving hacked tablets, contraband smuggling, and even attempted drone drops.
Texas City police pursuit suspect killed in deadly crash on SH 146: Galveston County officials
Galveston County officials said the crash followed a pursuit involving the Texas City Police Department, with the pursuit suspect pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Man charged with capital murder after shooting, killing his wife, mother-in-law: MCSO
According to Montgomery County Sheriff Doolittle, the man crashed his vehicle into a Conroe-area home before shooting and killing his wife and mother-in-law.
Harris County juvenile judges vary widely on sending violent offenders to adult prison
When it comes to deciding whether violent juvenile offenders should finish their sentences in adult prison, Harris County judges do not always reach the same conclusions.