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
Harris County criminal court judge sanctioned over handling of child sex crime cases
A Harris County judge has been publicly warned by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct over her handling of four child sex crime cases and other conduct the commission said violated judicial ethics rules.
Arrest made in cold case 40 years after teen girl's murder in Montgomery County, authorities say
Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the 1986 rape and murder of a teenage girl, a case that has haunted investigators for decades.
Mechanic awaiting trial accused of taking money from another customer, victim says
A Houston mechanic already awaiting trial on accusations he stole cars and parts from customers is now facing new allegations from another customer who says the charges haven't stopped him.
2 Houston-area men get life in prison in murder-for-hire plot against wrong man, officials say
U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck said two men were sentenced to life in prison for their roles in a conspiracy that resulted in the shooting of a Katy man on his way to work.
Suspect arrested in "random" shooting of off-duty Harris County sheriff's shot while sleeping
The deputy, identified by family as Augustine Arellano, remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
Authorities find 1,600 pounds of meth inside horse feed at Aldine-area home, DEA says
A recent bust in an Aldine-area neighborhood uncovered a massive methamphetamine operation inside a two-story home on Charriton Street, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Houston Police Department
Woman wanted for faking passports in vehicle registration scheme, Precinct 1 Constable's Office says
Authorities say they are searching for a woman accused of using forged Mexican passports to process fraudulent vehicle registrations.
Spring ISD teacher accused of leading car chase, running from police half-naked, court records show
A Spring ISD theater arts teacher is out of jail after a late-night police chase on Friday, followed by a half-naked arrest, according to court records.
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.