Jennifer Horton

Investigative Reporter

Birmingham, Alabama

Jennifer Horton is an investigative reporter for WBRC FOX6 News, focusing on issues that directly impact viewers, the safety of their families and how their tax dollars are spent. Jennifer joined the WBRC FOX6 News team in March 2021 and plays an integral role with the On Your Side Investigators.

She previously spent nearly 15 years at WSFA 12 News in Montgomery, Alabama covering criminal justice reform, violent crime, government corruption and the state and federal court system. During her time in the capital city, Jennifer's reporting uncovered a fraught docketing system within the Alabama Department of Pardons and Paroles, exposed campaign finance violations by former Governor Robert Bentley and chronicled former House Speaker Mike Hubbard's government ethics trial.

Jennifer is a member of the Investigative Reporters and Editors organization and a graduate of Auburn University.

If you have any story ideas for Jennifer, please feel free to email her at jennifer.horton@wbrc.com.

Education

Auburn University, Radio, Television, and Film; Spanish

Awards

Alabama Broadcasters Association “Best in Broadcasting: Hard News”, 2022

Alabama Associated Press, Best Reporter, 2012, 2018

Alabama Broadcasters Association “Best in Broadcast: Investigative Reporting”, 2018

Southeast Emmy Excellence in My Market Awards: honors in General Assignment Reporting & Investigative Reporting, 2018

Alabama Associated Press, Breaking News Coverage: Mike Hubbard Verdict, 2016

VOCAL Voice for Victims

Alabama News

Suspect in 2022 St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church shooting offered plea agreement

Updated: Apr. 4, 2023 at 10:08 AM CDT

By Jennifer Horton

No motions were argued but prosecutors explained they spoke to the victims’ families and a ‘settlement’ has been extended to Smith.

Alabama News

Gov. Ivey proposes $400 tax rebate, here’s what you need to know

Updated: Mar. 22, 2023 at 1:39 PM CDT

By Jennifer Horton

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is proposing a one-time, $400 dollar tax rebate to Alabamians.

Alabama News

Justice for ‘Cupcake’: Defendants sentenced to life in federal prison

Updated: Mar. 3, 2023 at 10:58 AM CST

By Jennifer Horton

On Friday, March 3, Chief Judge Scott Coogler handed down life sentences to Stallworth and Brown for federal kidnapping counts for disappearance and death of 3-year-old Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney in 2019.

Alabama News

Former Alabama Speaker of the House released from prison

Updated: Jan. 10, 2023 at 12:32 PM CST

By Jennifer Horton

In 2016, a jury ruled that Mike Hubbard used his position as Alabama Speaker of the House for personal gain. He was convicted on 12 counts and was sentenced to four years in prison.

Alabama News

Justice for ‘Cupcake’ McKinney: Jury returns guilty verdict

Updated: Nov. 17, 2022 at 12:45 PM CST

By Jennifer Horton and Tristan Ruppert

The second federal trial is underway for Derick Brown, who is accused in the 2019 disappearance and death of 3-year-old Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney.

Alabama News

Jury finds Stallworth guilty on kidnapping, conspiracy charges in disappearance, death of Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney

Updated: Nov. 16, 2022 at 2:10 PM CST

By Jennifer Horton, Tristan Ruppert and WBRC Staff

Patrick Stallworth will stand trial this week on federal kidnapping counts for the disappearance and death of 3-year-old Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney.

Alabama News

Judge rules on evidence ahead of first trial involving kidnapping, murder of Kamille ‘Cupcake’ McKinney

Updated: Aug. 22, 2022 at 5:40 PM CDT

By Jennifer Horton

Judge clears the way for statements Patrick Stallworth made to Birmingham Police to be used in his upcoming federal trial.

Alabama News

Dark money group funnels $1.5M into Ala. Governor’s race

Updated: Apr. 27, 2022 at 9:31 AM CDT

By Jennifer Horton

Millions of dollars are flowing into the state ahead of the upcoming primary election. Some estimate the race to clinch the Republican nomination for governor could exceed state fundraising records. So far, the crowded field’s raised more than $20 million dollars combined.