Derek Valcourt
Derek Valcourt began working at WJZ in September 2002. His first major assignment in Baltimore was covering the October 2002 sniper attacks and then the subsequent trial of teenage sniper Lee Boyd Malvo.
Derek began his career producing consumer stories at WHDH in Boston. He then made the jump to the other side of the camera and spent two years working in Great Falls, Montana as a reporter. Derek’s investigative reporting on staffing shortages at one hospital in Montana spurred a full state investigation into the problems. His hidden camera report exposing the repeated sale of alcohol to minors by area stores resulted in a county-wide law enforcement crackdown on underage alcohol sales.
From there, Derek moved to Huntsville, Ala. where he spent three years covering crime and investigative stories for NBC affiliate WAFF-TV. He helped launch Alabama’s most successful Crime Stoppers program. His reporting directly resulted in the police capture of more than 150 wanted criminals and the solving of more than 200 crimes.
Derek has been honored by the Associated Press and by the Society of Professional Journalists with awards for feature reporting, investigative reporting, live reporting and enterprise reporting. Derek’s news reporting for WJZ also earned him an Emmy award for 2003.
Derek was born and raised in Massachusetts and graduated from Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, Mass. with a B.S. in Communications/Media.
More Stories by Derek Valcourt
3 Friends Killed In Odenton Crash, Another In Critical Condition
A tragic story. Several people die in a crash along Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton.
Crowds Gather As Supreme Court Debates DOMA
The crowds in front of the Supreme Court Wednesday were just as large as they were Tuesday. The difference is Wednesday, there were very few opponents of same-sex marriage.
FBI Probing Baltimore Cruise Ship Death
Suspicious death. The FBI is now investigating what happened to a woman who died on board a Baltimore-based cruise ship this weekend.
Western Maryland Marks First Full Week Of Spring With Snow
The first full week of spring didn’t stop western Maryland from getting several inches of snow.
Body Found Near Kent Island Is Robin Pope
A heartbreaking end to the search for a missing Queen Anne’s County woman, after a body was found floating in the waters near Kent Island Saturday.
Lawmakers: Using Handheld Cell Phone While Driving Should Be Primary Offense
Talking on a handheld cell phone while driving is already against the law in Maryland. But the punishment for doing it could get a lot tougher if some lawmakers get their way.
Defense Aims To Discredit State’s Star Witness In Phylicia Barnes Murder Retrial
It’s back to the drawing board for attorneys on both sides of the Phylicia Barnes murder case after a judge throws out her accused killer’s conviction and orders a new trial.
Suspect Previously Convicted In Phylicia Barnes’ Murder Gets New Trial
The man convicted of murdering 16-year-old North Carolina honors student Phylicia Barnes will get a new trial. That decision came from a Baltimore judge Wednesday afternoon.
Parents Of Murdered Teen Get Almost $1.8M In Judgment
Her son was murdered by a group of teenagers while riding his bicycle home. Now Christopher Jones’ parents win a nearly $1.8 million judgment against one of her son’s killers.
Facebook Posts May Have Caused Fight At Annapolis High School; 7 Arrested
Anne Arundel County police broke up a major fight inside Annapolis High School and arrested seven students.
Pa. College Mourns Loss Of Beloved Coach & Baltimore Native Killed In Bus Crash
A community in mourning. A Pennsylvania college campus grieves, honoring the memory of a Baltimore native who was killed when a bus carrying the women’s lacrosse team crashes into a tree.
Election Of First Native Spanish-Speaking Pope Inspires Md. Latinos
The pope’s election carries a huge significance to members of Maryland’s Latino community.
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