Hatzel Vela

Hatzel Vela

Hatzel Vela recently joined the ABC7/WJLA-TV team. Prior to coming to the Washington market, he was a reporter at KNXV-TV, the ABC affiliate in Phoenix, AZ.

Hatzel is Nicaraguan by birth, but was raised in Miami. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications from Florida International University, where he was twice named editor in chief of the weekly student newspaper, The Beacon. While still in college, he also worked behind the scenes as an associate producer for WSVN, the Fox affiliate.

His first on-air gig was as a reporter at WCSC, the CBS affiliate in Charleston, SC. One of his more memorable stories was the 2008 South Carolina Presidential Primaries because of his interest in politics. He had the chance to meet almost all of the presidential contenders.

In 2009, after South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford admitted to having an affair with an Argentine woman, Hatzel was the reporter who tracked down the first photos of Sanford’s mistress.

When he’s not working, Hatzel enjoys exploring Washington, D.C. and all the things the city has to offer.

His first sightseeing adventure was the National Archives, where he couldn’t wait to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution for the first time. If he’s home, he likes to cook and read a good book and from time to time, he enjoys a little video game action.

Any chance he gets, he goes home to Miami to see family and friends and looks forward to eating his favorite food: Nicaraguan and Cuban.

Hatzel loves social media as a way to stay in touch with you. If you have a story idea or just want to say hello, e-mail him at hvela@wjla.com or follow him on Twitter.

Contact Hatzel

Twitter: @hatzelvela
WJLA
1100 Wilson BLVD, Suite 601 Arlington, VA 22209

Recent Stories

  1. D.C. firefighters union says chief's ambulance crew scheduling shift could risk lives

    WJLA, May 17, 2013 - 06:21 pm

    D.C.'s firefighters union and Chief Kenneth Ellerbe are at odds over a scheduling shift for ambulance crews in the District. Ed Smith, president of the union, says the changes could jeopardize lives.

  2. Falls Church burglar caught on camera

    WJLA, May 16, 2013 - 05:52 pm

    A Falls Church family caught a thief on camera outside their home. Now they hope the video and their loss will help protect their neighbors.

  3. Powerball jackpot: $360 million and climbing

    WJLA, May 15, 2013 - 07:58 am

    Somebody could get a big boost for their personal budget with the right combination of numbers for tonight's Powerball jackpot. It's grown to an estimated $360 million. Check out the world's largest jackpots here.

  4. Takoma Park lowers voting age to 16

    WJLA, May 14, 2013 - 05:41 pm

    Takoma Park officials have voted to lower the voting age to 16. The law passed 6 to 1 and will take effect in 50 days.

  5. ABC News bureau damaged by NW D.C. water main break

    WJLA, May 11, 2013 - 12:08 pm

    A massive water main break in NW D.C. flooded a 30-foot exaction site and caused extensive damage to the ABC News Washington bureau. The water main was repaired by midnight and valves were back on with full water pressure by 5:10am Sunday.