
Vanessa Murphy Biography: Award-Winning Investigative Reporter at KLAS-TV
Vanessa Murphy is an investigative reporter for KLAS-TV (8 News Now) in Las Vegas, Nevada, a CBS affiliate. She joined the station in October 2013.
Prior to moving to Las Vegas, Murphy, a native of New York, worked as a producer for ABC News on the medical documentary series NY Med. She also reported for News 12 in Connecticut.
In 2011, she was named a Journalism Fellow for Criminal Justice reporting through the H.F. Guggenheim Foundation.
Vanessa is a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Society of Professional Journalists.
She is also a graduate of both the Metro Police Citizens Academy and the FBI Citizens Academy.
She began her reporting career in the Midwest, at KLJB-TV in Iowa, where she broke a story about tainted meat in local schools that led to a recall.
Her coverage of the Iowa caucuses included interviews with Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Mitt Romney. At WAND-TV in central Illinois, she specialized in investigative reports.
Vanessa started her television career working behind the scenes at ABC News, CBS News, and MTV Networks.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism & Media Studies from Rutgers University.
After graduating, she won a student journalism contest, which earned her an educational trip to Switzerland.
Vanessa has received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative reports and is a nine-time Emmy Award winner. Her reporting covers topics such as general assignment, politics, crime, and investigations.
Age:
Vanessa Murphy was born in New York, United States, and is estimated to be around 36 years old as of 2025. She holds American nationality and is of Caucasian ethnicity.
Husband:
Vanessa Murphy has not publicly disclosed details about her marital status or husband. There is no confirmed information available regarding her relationship status.
Height, Weight, Measurements:
Vanessa Murphy stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m). Her weight is estimated to be between 130-145 lbs (59-66 kg).
While her exact body measurements are not publicly available, they are likely around 34-26-36 inches based on general proportions.
Career and Background:
Vanessa Murphy began her journalism career behind the scenes at major networks, including ABC News, CBS News, and MTV Networks.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University.
Her on-air reporting career commenced in the Midwest, where she worked for KLJB-TV in Iowa, breaking significant stories such as the investigation into tainted meat in local schools.
She also reported for WAND-TV in central Illinois, specializing in investigative journalism.
Before joining KLAS-TV in October 2013, Vanessa served as a producer for ABC News on the medical documentary series “NY Med” and reported for News 12 in Connecticut.
At KLAS-TV, Vanessa has led numerous impactful investigations, including exposing failures within Child Protective Services, which earned her the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2019.
Her reporting has also prompted legislative changes, such as the passage of “Nathan’s Law” following her coverage of an unregulated boxing match that resulted in a student’s death.
KLAS-TV (Las Vegas, NV) (2013–Present)
Vanessa Murphy joined KLAS-TV’s 8 News Now in October 2013, where she established herself as a leading investigative reporter.
Her work focuses on exposing wrongdoing, holding authorities accountable, and impacting communities across Las Vegas.
- She has won nine Emmy Awards for her investigative reporting on crime, justice, and discrimination.
- In 2019, she received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative reports exposing failures in the Child Protective Services system.
- Her reporting led to legislative changes, including Nathan’s Law, which was passed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in response to an unregulated boxing match that resulted in a student’s death.
- She produced a 2023 documentary, Breaking the Circle: Nathan Chasing Horse Exposed, which uncovered systemic failures related to allegations against the accused sexual predator Nathan Chasing Horse.
- Her investigative work on a dilapidated housing complex overridden with violent crime led to tenants receiving additional assistance and scrutiny of the property owners by a Clark County District Court judge.
- She has covered major crime stories, including police misconduct cases, corruption scandals, and failures in emergency medical care.
ABC News (Prior to 2013)
Before moving to Las Vegas, Vanessa worked as a producer for ABC News, where she was embedded in New York City trauma units for the medical documentary series NY Med.
- The series provided an inside look at emergency medical care and hospital operations.
- She worked closely with medical professionals, documenting life-saving procedures and patient experiences.
News 12 Connecticut
Vanessa Murphy worked as a news reporter at News 12 Connecticut, covering a wide range of topics before transitioning into investigative journalism.
- She reported on local crime, politics, and community issues.
- Her work helped highlight government accountability and public safety concerns.
KLJB-TV (Iowa)
Vanessa began her investigative reporting career at KLJB-TV in Iowa, where she broke a major investigation into tainted meat in local schools, leading to a recall.
- Her reporting on food safety violations led to swift action from local authorities.
- She covered the Iowa caucuses, interviewing prominent political figures such as Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Mitt Romney.
WAND-TV (Illinois)
At WAND-TV in Illinois, Vanessa specialized in investigative reports, focusing on crime and systemic issues.
- She exposed corruption, fraud, and failures in public services.
- Her work contributed to policy discussions and reforms in local governance.
ABC News, CBS News, and MTV Networks
Vanessa Murphy began her television career working behind the scenes at ABC News, CBS News, and MTV Networks.
- She gained experience in news production, research, and storytelling.
- Her early work helped shape her investigative approach and commitment to impactful journalism.
Murphy’s most impactful investigations:
- Child Protective Services Failures – Exposed neglect and mismanagement, earning a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
- Nathan’s Law – Led to Nevada State Athletic Commission regulations after an unregulated boxing tragedy.
- Nathan Chasing Horse Exposé – Uncovered abuse allegations and systemic failures.
- Emergency Medical Care Failures – Sparked federal investigations into veteran healthcare.
- Housing Complex Scandal – Led to tenant assistance and legal scrutiny of negligent landlords.
- Special Needs Discrimination – Emmy-winning report on abuse at a country club.
- Stray Bullet Tragedy – Inspired a Las Vegas family to donate a wheelchair-accessible van.
Vanessa Murphy works alongside a talented team of journalists at KLAS-TV (Las Vegas, NV):
- Denise Valdez – Emmy-winning anchor and journalist, known for her in-depth reporting.
- Brian Loftus – Morning anchor with extensive experience in news coverage.
- Christian Cazares – Investigative reporter focusing on community issues.
- Tedd Florendo – Chief meteorologist delivering weather forecasts for Las Vegas.
- Joe Moeller – General assignment reporter covering breaking news.
- Sasha Loftis – Anchor and reporter specializing in crime and human-interest stories.
- David Charns – Investigative journalist covering legal and political issues.
These journalists contribute to 8 News Now’s reputation for strong investigative and local news coverage.
Net Worth and Salary:
Vanessa Murphy’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, primarily from her career in investigative journalism.
Her annual salary as an investigative reporter at KLAS-TV (Las Vegas, NV) is estimated to be between $40,000 and $110,500, though exact figures have not been publicly disclosed.
Is Vanessa Murphy Investigative Reporter Married?
Vanessa Murphy has not publicly disclosed details about her marital status. There is no confirmed information available regarding whether she is married or in a relationship
How Old Is Vanessa Murphy Investigative Reporter?
Vanessa Murphy is estimated to be around 35–40 years old as of 2025, though her exact birth date has not been publicly disclosed.
Where Is Vanessa Murphy Investigative Reporter Working?
Vanessa Murphy is currently an investigative reporter at KLAS-TV (Las Vegas, NV), where she works for 8 News Now.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Investigative Journalism – Exposes wrongdoing, holds authorities accountable, and impacts communities across Las Vegas.
- Crime & Justice Reporting – Covers major crime stories, police misconduct cases, and legal investigations.
- Policy & System Failures – Reports on systemic issues, including failures in Child Protective Services and emergency medical care.
- Documentary Production – Produced Breaking the Circle: Nathan Chasing Horse Exposed in 2023, uncovering abuse allegations and systemic failures.
- Community Impact Stories – Investigates housing crises, discrimination cases, and public safety concerns.
Her work has led to policy changes, legal actions, and community support initiatives.
Vanessa Murphy is active on social media and uses her platforms to share her investigative reporting and engage with the public.
X (formerly Twitter): @Vanessa_Murphy
Vanessa regularly posts updates on her investigative stories, breaking news, and behind-the-scenes insights from her work at KLAS-TV. She also invites tips via direct messages.
Instagram: @vanessareporting
Her Instagram features a mix of professional content related to her reporting on crime and justice, as well as personal glimpses into her life in Las Vegas. She has over 3,000 followers and maintains an active presence.
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