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
Murder-suicide suspect was out on bond despite guilty plea for 2019 killing, records show
After a guilty plea to a 2019 murder, Austin Collette was allowed to remain free while awaiting sentencing. In that time, he violated his bond, but no actions were taken in response.
14-year-old boy hospitalized with kidney failure after severe beating, police say
Authorities have charged the boy's mother and her boyfriend with injury to a child in connection with the brutal assault.
2 teenagers charged in deadly shooting at Alief-area apartment over alleged love triangle
The district attorney's office says the man killed in love triangle murder plot was not the intended target.
Cocky car thief taunts neighbor after crashing stolen vehicle near Friendswood
A brazen car thief crashed a stolen 2024 Dodge Charger into a ditch near Friendswood before arrogantly taunting a neighbor who confronted him.
Video shows Stafford man attempting to execute his wife in front of her children before fleeing
Dramatic doorbell camera footage captures a terrifying midday shooting that left children running for safety before the accused shooter went on the run.
Mother and son killed in wrong-way crash on I-45 downtown were heading home from softball tournament
The mother and son were killed when a suspected drunk driver hit them. The suspect's blood alcohol content was reportedly more than twice the legal limit.
Stafford shooting suspect once featured in 2009 ABC13 crime report remains on the run
In 2009, ABC13 covered crimes he committed when he was just 17 years old- now, police say, he's wanted for shooting a woman outside a Stafford apartment complex.
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.