Jessica Holloway
Reporter
A great journalist once told me, "Look for the simple truths, trust your gut and wear sensible shoes." Since that time, I've succeeded and failed at following each of these pieces of advice, at one time or another.
I'm the crime and criminal justice beat reporter at the best station in Austin -- KVUE! You'll see me weeknights at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. That's also where you'll see my investigations into loopholes in state law and ways to improve our justice system.
My most memorable times being a journalist are when natural disasters, life-changing or major events have affected people's lives. I've never felt more connected to the craft as when I stood outside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Beaumont, Texas, reporting for KFDM-TV, warning families that Hurricane Ike was headed our way, and the county would be calling for a mandatory evacuation. Several people died in that hurricane. I knew in that moment, holding the microphone, staring into the camera, nothing mattered more than warning people to get to safety.
Since that time, I've uncovered problems with Texas' prescription drug tracking system, leading to changes in state law. My continuing-coverage reports on an unsafe stretch of road along Highway 73 in Port Arthur resulted in a TxDOT cable barrier. In 2008, I broke the story of police officers admitting to having sex with prostitutes and also uncovered a 2007 police traffic stop that led to a use of force investigation, bringing indictments against two police officers.
After my time in Beaumont, I headed up to Oklahoma City and reported at KOCO-TV, the ABC affiliate. There, I chased storms and several tornadoes, including the deadly and devastating April 2011 tornado in Tushka, Oklahoma. I also obtained exclusive interviews with the family of murdered mother Julie Mitchell, a high profile case involving an accused gambling operation.
Since my time in Austin, I've already covered some high-profile cases, including the federal raid on downtown 6th Street night clubs and the heroin bust at Jovita's Mexican Restaurant. On our website, you can see my exclusive interview with the family of slain Austin Police Senior Officer Jaime Padron (http://www.kvue.com/home/PART-1-Officer-Jaime-Padrons-family-talks-in-exclusive-one-on-one-149314645.html), as well as my special report into crimes against police on the rise (http://www.kvue.com/news/local/KVUE-SPECIAL-REPORT-CRIMES-ON-COPS--149147065.html) and my investigation into loopholes related to sex offender tracking laws (http://www.kvue.com/news/defenders/KUVE-SPECIAL-REPORT-Sex-offenders-walking-free--158949435.html).
Growing up in a family of six kids, I understand there can be six versions of the same story. I strive for fairness. I'm dedicated to finding the truth. Once I begin an investigation, I see it through to the end.
I enjoy meeting new people and always appreciate story ideas. If you've got a story to share or one you think I should look into, drop me an email at jholloway@kvue.com.
P.S. If you see me out in the rain with non-sensible footwear, feel free to call me out!
