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
14-year-old girl shot, killed at apartment complex playground; suspect in custody, police say
Preliminary information suggests that two teens were involved in an altercation earlier in the day. Later, the girl went to the apartment complex's playground, where the boy approached and shot her, police said.
A troubling trend? 4 former and current HCSO deputies take their own lives in last 6 weeks
The deputy's passing marks the fourth suicide in just six weeks among current and former Harris County deputies, raising concerns about the mental health toll on law enforcement officers.
4 human trafficking victims rescued after 2 Houston-area men arrested in Ohio, officials say
Four human trafficking victims, including one juvenile, were rescued after a man from Cypress and another from Houston were arrested in Ohio, according to authorities.
Groundbreaking DNA lab in The Woodlands solves mysteries, identifies crime victims
There are tens of thousands of unidentified people nationwide and nearly 350,000 unsolved homicides, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data.
18-wheeler driver distracted by dating app at time of crash killing woman, lawsuit claims
The driver of an 18-wheeler that crashed into a Tomball woman's SUV, killing her, was taking screenshots and looking at a dating app at the time of the crash, new court filings claim.
Houston 16-year-old charged with capital murder for killing of 17-year-old
A judge gave HPD permission to release the name and photo of a 16-year-old suspect, currently charged with capital murder and wanted by police.
Houston residents terrorized by pack of dogs, one in critical condition
Since Feb.16, city officials say a pack of dogs has terrorized residents near Crane and Russell Streets. One woman remains in the ICU, while others are recovering from severe wounds.
Police release image of gunman after 2 students shot near Pasadena Memorial HS
The shooting was the result of a massive fight that broke out across the street from the school shortly after dismissal, according to witness video.
3 persons of interest detained in connection to 17-year-old boy killed in N. Houston, HPD says
The Houston Police Department has three persons of interest detained after they stopped a car related to the shooter's truck at Tidwell and N. Wayside in northeast Houston.
Man charged in deputy's murder under house arrest after posting $1M bond, sparking outrage
Capital murder is the only crime in Texas where a judge has the discretion to deny bond. Still, Judge Hilary Unger of the 248th District Court set bond at $1 million for the defendant, who was released after posting it.