Jon Burkett Bio: Age, Wife | WTVR CBS 6 Crime Insider & Reporter

Jon Burkett Biography: CBS 6 Crime Insider Reporter, Career & Life in Richmond, VA

Jon Burkett is a veteran journalist and the longtime “Crime Insider” for WTVR CBS 6 in Richmond, Virginia. A Chesterfield native and U.S. Navy veteran, he has dedicated more than two decades to covering crime, public safety, and community issues across Central Virginia.

Early Life & Education

Burkett was born and raised in Chesterfield, Virginia. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1995 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

During his five years of service, he achieved the rank of Second Class Petty Officer and gained broadcasting experience through the American Forces Network while stationed in La Maddalena, Italy.

After his military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Phoenix.

Military Service & Broadcasting Start

Burkett’s Navy career gave him both discipline and his first taste of journalism.

His work with the American Forces Network sparked his interest in broadcasting, which he later expanded through part-time television work in Baltimore before returning to Virginia to pursue journalism full-time.

Career at WTVR CBS 6

Burkett joined CBS 6 on September 29, 2000, as a photographer. Within months, in January 2001, he transitioned to the role of crime reporter—a position that quickly became his lifelong calling.

As “The Crime Insider,” Burkett has built a reputation for breaking major crime stories, reopening cold cases, and providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement investigations.

His coverage ranges from fatal shootings and missing persons to severe weather, traffic enforcement, and changes in state law that affect public safety.

• Years Active: 2000–present (25 years as of September 2025)

• Signature Segments: Crime Insider reports and ReOpen the Case

• Reporting Style: On-the-ground, connected, and focused on truth-telling and community awareness

Achievements & Recognition

Over his career, Burkett has earned respect not only from viewers but also from law enforcement and newsroom colleagues. He is credited with:

• Helping reopen unsolved cases through investigative reporting

• Being first on the scene for major crime stories in Central Virginia

• Mentoring younger journalists in the CBS 6 newsroom

• Building a legacy as one of the station’s most reliable and dedicated reporters

His colleagues often describe him as the “backbone” of CBS 6 for his work ethic and commitment.

Personal Life

Burkett considers Richmond his permanent home. Outside of journalism, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family and pets.

His dedication to community and storytelling extends beyond the newsroom, making him both a public figure and a neighbor deeply rooted in Central Virginia life.

Jon Burkett Age:

Jon Burkett is 48 years old, born on June 16, 1977. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Jon Burkett Parents and Siblings:

Jon Burkett was born and raised in Chesterfield County, Virginia. A self-described “news junkie,” he grew up watching WTVR Channel 6, the very station where he would later build his career. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1995.

Following high school, Burkett enlisted in the U.S. Navy. It was during his service that he first explored journalism, working with the American Forces Network while stationed overseas. His time in the Navy not only instilled discipline but also provided the foundation for his future in broadcasting.

Burkett has kept much of his family life private. While he has not publicly shared his parents’ names, he has spoken fondly of his father, noting his father’s loyalty to Channel 6—an early influence on Burkett’s passion for news. Information about siblings has not been publicly disclosed.

Burkett highlights family as the core of his identity. He often says that his most meaningful role is not as a reporter but as a husband, father, and grandfather. His personal values of dedication and loyalty mirror the commitment he shows in his professional life.

Jon Burkett Wife:

Jon Burkett is married to Malorie Gay Burkett, with whom he shares three children. The couple wed on March 26, 2011, and family remains at the heart of Jon’s life.

He has spoken publicly about his admiration for Malorie, often praising her creativity and professional accomplishments. In one instance, he highlighted a project led by her team at Chippenham Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), underscoring his pride in her work.

While Jon occasionally shares glimpses of his family life, he also maintains a sense of privacy, keeping many personal details out of the public eye. Malorie’s professional background appears to involve healthcare or media-related initiatives, though she, too, values discretion.

Jon Burkett Height, Weight:

Jon Burkett stands at an estimated 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall (178–183 cm) and weighs approximately 190 to 210 pounds (86–95 kg).

Career Timeline (Jon Burkett Richmond, VA)

Jon Burkett’s professional journey is defined by military discipline, a passion for storytelling, and more than two decades as “The Crime Insider” for WTVR CBS 6 News in Richmond, Virginia.

Early Life & Military Service

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Entry into Broadcast News

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Becoming “The Crime Insider”

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Milestones & Legacy

Jon Burkett – Estimated Net Worth & Salary:

Estimated Salary

Jon Burkett’s annual salary is estimated to be in the range of $60,000 to $90,000. As a veteran crime reporter and photojournalist with more than 25 years at CBS 6 News WTVR-TV, his pay reflects his seniority, field expertise, and the added responsibility of serving as both an on-air reporter and a skilled photojournalist.

Estimated Net Worth

Burkett’s net worth is estimated to fall between $500,000 and $1 million.

Key contributing factors include:

• Over two decades of steady income from broadcast journalism

• Military service benefits from his time in the U.S. Navy

• Possible earnings from public speaking and community engagements

• Long-term investments or retirement planning tied to his professional stability

Is Jon Burkett Married?

Yes, Jon Burkett has been married to Malorie Gay Burkett since March 26, 2011. They have three children together.

How Old Is Jon Burkett?

Jon Burkett was born on June 16, 1977, which makes him 48 years old as of 2025.

Where Is Jon Burkett Working?

Jon Burkett is currently working at CBS 6 News WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, where he serves as a crime reporter, photojournalist, and one-man-band field reporter.

He’s widely known by his signature title, The Crime Insider, and has been with the station since September 2000, making him one of the longest-serving and most respected journalists in the Richmond media landscape.

Summary Table

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Sources:

• WTVR — “25 years of the Crime Insider: Jon Burkett celebrates milestone at CBS 6” 

• WTVR — “Reporter Jon Burkett, ‘Focus to the Finish’ scholarship winner, earns 2 degrees” 

• WTVR — Jon Burkett author profile page

• LinkedIn — Jon Burkett’s LinkedIn profile

• IMDb — Jon Burkett’s IMDb page

• Muck Rack — Jon Burkett’s articles/profile page 

• Instagram — a post (DEPi7SFTu58)

• Facebook — Jon Burkett CBS6 page 

• YouTube — video with ID weV80ufmP4w