Born in Lafayette and raised in St. Martinville, I am a Cajun in heart, mind and spirit. I dove into the news industry with my start at my hometown newspaper where I picked up some journalistic skills. I earned a degree in mass communications at UL Lafayette which prepared me for covering news in Acadiana and around the state. As a news reporter for KPEL, my news beats include, but are not limited to, Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Parish School Board. Jumping from print media to broadcast has been an exciting move for me in the ever-changing multimedia environment of today's news world. When not covering news, I can often be found playing guitar or cooking at home, both usually being done with my daughter, Jolie, very near by.
Derek Albert
Att. Murder Suspect: Girlfriend Was Evil, Needed To Be Killed
The suspect bludgeoned his girlfriemd with a hammer until she was unconscious.
State Budget Deficit For Mid-Year 2018 Is Up To $1.5 Billion
Most of the shortfall is due to the loss of temporary taxes.
Indictment Made In Murder Case Of Daisy Lynn Landry
A grand jury indicted Malik Davis for the murder of Jacqueline "Daisy Lynn" Landry.
Leonard Fournette Donates Trophies For A New Use
A Jacksonville-area high school will be given the trophies, but after some major modifications.
Back-To-School Bash Slated For Saturday in Lafayette
The Lafayette Police Association has partnered with St. James Baptist Church to put on tomorrow’s Back to school Bash.
LPSO Searching For Stolen Giraffe (PHOTOS)
You won't find this giraffe roaming around an Acadiana pasture.
UPDATE: Thursday Showers Bring More Flood Waters to Acadiana
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for several Acadiana Parishes Thursday afternoon.
Cox To Begin Charging Residents For Data Usage
BIG changes are coming next week for the way South Louisiana Cox Communications' residential internet subscribers will be charged.
UPDATE: Victims ID’d In New Iberia Murder-Suicide
The Sheriff's Office says Danny Harris Junior and Judd Judice died from gunshot wounds.
More La. Students Graduating High School; LPSS Grad Rates Drop Slightly
State Superintendent: "As a state we’re moving towards greater graduation rates and higher levels of education."
The Independent Ending Publication; Suspending ABiz, Current
The alternative news source based in Lafayette is ending publication after 14 years.
Louisiana Nursing Homes Showing Great Improvement
Eighteen Louisiana nursing homes have received a prestigious award for improving patient care.
Vermilion Parish Officials Issue Voluntary Evacuation Orders
Those who live in low-lying areas are being encouraged to find shelter elsewhere.
LSP: Missing Children Alert Canceled (UDPATED)
The Level II Endangered/Missing Child Media Advisory for Easton Alfred and Endie Dacosta has been canceled.
La. Delegation Members, Others Extend Thoughts, Support For Rep. Steve Scalise
Thoughts and prayers are pouring out following the shooting in Alexandria, Va. this morning.
UPDATE: Morgan City Man Dies Following Officer-Involved Shooting In St. Martin Parish
Louisiana State Police has released the identity of the man killed in the Monday night shooting.
Mom Leaves Infant Home Alone While She Crossed Street To Go Drinking
32-year-old Ashley Deshotels was charged with child endangerment and disturbing the peace by intoxication Tuesday.
UPDATE: Crash Near Lobdell Has I-10 Shut Down In Lafayette
Traffic is being diverted to US 190 in Opelouisas via I-49.
Lafayette PD Solves Decade-Old Homicide Case
Three men were on the lam for 10 years for the murder of Malcolm Davis.
Both Carmel Drive Murder Suspects Behind Bars
The couple has been booked for murder of a Lafayette man Saturday night.