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
24 families claim Houston surrogacy escrow company owner spent their money on herself
According to a lawsuit, some of the families said they spent $50,000 meant to fund surrogacy planning, but the money allegedly went into the owner's lavish lifestyle.
Suspect in custody after holding woman hostage in NE Harris Co. apartment complex, sheriff says
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the suspect fired at deputies responding to a call before setting off a two-hour standoff Friday night.
Suspect arrested, charged with capital murder, in ambush murder of Harris Co. sheriff's deputy
The arrest came hours after authorities said a 28-year-old deputy was following up on an alleged assault at a Little Caesars when he was ambushed.
Houston man with disability feels 'trapped' on 4th floor without elevator due to power outage
Residents said two of its buildings had power restored, but one was still lacking. Without working elevators, some can't get around.
'Don't we owe it to our people?' Frustration grows as senior communities struggle without power
"I think it's ridiculous. I really do." CenterPoint Energy says it is prioritizing critical care facilities in the restoration process, but ABC13 found that many are still in the dark.
HPD employee drowned on his way to work during Beryl storms, Mayor John Whitmire says
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said an HPD civilian employee died while driving into flood conditions on the way to work on Monday morning in the height of Beryl.
Driver wanted after running stop sign, hitting and killing 10-year-old boy who was riding bike: HCSO
Investigators believe the driver ran a stop sign before the deadly crash. The boy's bike was found ditched about half a mile away after deputies said it appeared it got caught under the driver's SUV.
Houston man charged with bigamy after wife finds out about 2nd wedding through Facebook: Records
A woman told ABC13 she and her husband separated in 2019, but they didn't divorce because he didn't want his family to think he was a "failure." What he told ABC13 in a phone call.
3 dogs dead in pet sitter's care, several others hospitalized from suspected heat stroke, HPD says
The pet parents told ABC13 they thought their dogs were being housed in a room in the sitter's home. She told police they were actually in a shed in the backyard when the air conditioning stopped working.
HPD's new assistant chief is under investigation for missing city property valued at $25K, docs say
In a letter, HPD confirmed "an open investigation being conducted...of alleged improper police procedure by a police officer."