Denise Zarrella

Denise Zarrella brings a wide range of news experience to our team. After her work as an associate producer for CNN and an Emmy Award-winning reporter for TBS's "Interact America," she turned her attention to local news. Denise began her reporting career as the weekend anchor and weekday reporter for WBBJ-TV in Jackson, Tenn. From there, she went on to hold the same positions at WCIA-TV in Champaign, Ill. Before coming to Cleveland, Denise worked as a reporter and weekend morning anchor for WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She is a graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa., where she majored in Political Science and English. She might have spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania in the past, but Denise says that she has quickly transformed herself into a Cleveland girl, proud to call Ohio home. She enjoys traveling, catching the latest movies and spending time with friends. She lives on the west side with her husband Tony, daughter Gianna, son Anthony, and two dogs.

Recent Articles by Denise

Gas prices expected to stay low for the short-term

Enjoy these prices while they last—they’re like to hit $3 gallon again next year.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 13, 2018 at 5:41 PM

Summit County panhandlers to be affected by new law

A new law is designed to address any kind of pedestrian interference.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 12, 2018 at 6:06 PM

Social media, public tips become powerful tools for law enforcement trying to stop terrorists

Nationally recognized security expert Tim Dimoff says when it comes to staying one step ahead of terrorists, social media has become one of the most valuable tools for law enforcement.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 11, 2018 at 4:30 PM

Youngstown mother in critical condition after house fire that killed her 5 children

Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley says that fire investigators spent the day gathering evidence and looking into what caused a fire that killed five children.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 11, 2018 at 9:57 AM

Cleveland fans brave freezing temps to party in muni Lot before Browns vs. Panthers game

The sunshine and lack of wind seemed to make near freezing temperatures more bearable as the day wore on.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 9, 2018 at 1:44 PM

Closed Olmsted Falls bridge fueling safety, emergency concerns among residents

The closed bridge has become a major obstacle to homeowners in the area.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 6, 2018 at 6:32 PM

Youngstown police chief says parking tickets issued during campus lockdown were a misunderstanding

Youngstown Police Chief Robin Lees says that parking tickets issued during a nearly 3-hour lockdown on the campus of Youngstown State University were a result of a simple misunderstanding.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 4, 2018 at 4:57 PM

Medical examiner identifies two of the four victims killed in a fiery crash in Akron

Two of the four people killed in a fiery car accident Monday morning in Akron, have been identified.

Denise Zarrella and Julia Tullos

Published December 3, 2018 at 4:25 PM

Holiday shopping with a purpose, shop in Independence helps to keep people with Down syndrome employed

A gift shop in Independence has something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, but the best part of shopping at the “Artful 21,” is the fact that every item you buy helps to keep a person with Down syndrome employed.

Denise Zarrella

Published December 2, 2018 at 2:12 PM

Wayne County mother speaks out after resource officer shocks special needs son with Taser

“I didn’t think anything. I just started crying. Nobody wants to see their kid like that,” said Dainyelle Adams, of Wooster.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 28, 2018 at 10:17 PM

Dog days of...winter have arrived, but Chardon residents taking the snow in stride

The dog days of...winter have arrived.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 27, 2018 at 5:50 PM

Lordstown burning through hope as GM plans deep job cuts

Christina Defelice said she was devastated when she heard the news that General Motors was, in their words “un-allocating” four U.S. plants and eliminating 15 percent of their salaried workforce throughout their company.

Denise Zarrella and Lydia Esparra

Published November 26, 2018 at 8:06 PM

Mayfield Heights homicide victim was critical care nurse at UH; colleagues release a statement

Both deaths were ruled homicides, also by the medical examiner.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 21, 2018 at 4:40 PM

Mayfield Heights Police gathering evidence after arson kills mother, young daughter

Fifteen hours after the initial calls about a fire on Longwood Avenue in Mayfield Heights came in, investigators remained on the scene. In the late afternoon hours, police were seen carrying paper bags out of the next door neighbor’s home and loading them into the back of a vehicle.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 20, 2018 at 6:29 PM

On average, 33 calls for help come in a day to the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center in Cleveland - the number one provider of services for domestic violence services in Cuyahoga County.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 19, 2018 at 6:42 PM

Cleveland Indians serve up Thanksgiving meal to hundreds of area disabled, people in need

The boys of summer aren’t on the field today, but the Cleveland Indians Organization is knocking it out of the park with some of their biggest and most appreciative fans.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 18, 2018 at 3:22 PM

Cleveland won’t confirm whether sanitation truck radios will be fixed after fatal shooting

The radio on the truck that Cleveland City Sanitation employee D’Shane Wilcox was working out of when he was shot and killed near the intersection of East 138th Street and Lambert Avenue was not functioning, according to Vincent Callahan, of Local 1099.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 15, 2018 at 8:51 PM

'We are just a target’: Cleveland sanitation workers say they frequently fear for their lives

Sanitation workers are speaking out after the tragic and senseless killing of one of their own.

Denise Zarrella

Published November 14, 2018 at 8:55 PM

Slain sanitation worker described as quiet young man starting to make his way in the world

A family member described the slain Cleveland City Sanitation worker as quiet, but a good young man in his late 20s who was just starting to make his way in the world.