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
Have you seen Rowdy? A search is underway for a missing kangaroo near Sealy
Rowdy, a 3-year-old kangaroo, was last spotted on Pyka Road near I-10 in Austin County when he jumped in front of a car early Wednesday morning.
Harris County man charged in alleged LA murder-for-hire waives extradition
The accused hitman in a Los Angeles murder-for-hire plot remains in the Harris County Jail, awaiting extradition as the victim's ex-wife made her first court appearance Tuesday.
New Houston police officer under investigation over use of force incident as detention officer
The video shows a detention officer forcing a female inmate against the wall before slamming her to the ground and holding her down.
Harris County District Attorney issues subpoena to judge in death penalty appeal
The subpoena comes after the DA's office suspected that the judge had improper communication with a defense attorney. One legal analyst says he hasn't seen something like this in all his years of work.
Fort Bend Co. college student held at gunpoint, mistaken by US Marshals for man linked to fugitive
The 19-year-old student told ABC13 that he was forced to crawl on his hands and knees at gunpoint before officers realized he was not the right guy.
Alleged shooter in deputy's 2022 murder has been in 4 states in 6 months, records state
The four other people in the car told investigators that the gunman told them he fired because the deputy pulled a gun. Investigators said the deputy's gun was still holstered when they arrived.
Houstonian among 3 Americans released after years of imprisonment in China
Mark Swidan had been wrongfully detained in China since 2012, and his family fought to one day bring him home. Now, the State Department said he would return as part of a prisoner swap agreement.
Parents say Fort Bend ISD school didn't act for 2 hours after non-verbal son shattered his femur
Shocking video shows the non-verbal 11-year-old writhing and moaning in pain in the classroom. Fort Bend ISD said "staff members involved in this incident are no longer employed."
Brother charged in connection to shooting death of 16-year-old near Tomball, HCSO says
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said that the victim's 17-year-old brother stated he thought the pistol was unloaded when he pointed it and intentionally pulled the trigger.
'It was a family': Widow of fallen HPD officer remembers deputy constable killed on Katy Freeway
The death of Harris County Precinct 5 deputy constable Katherine Hutson is taking a toll on the widow of a fallen HPD officer.