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
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.
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.