Married for nearly 30 years with two grown children, Derek was raised in California. He grew up in Los Angeles County and later joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. He started his...view moreMarried for nearly 30 years with two grown children, Derek was raised in California. He grew up in Los Angeles County and later joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. He started his 22 year career as a jail deputy, then spent several years on patrol in the High Desert before earning a promotion to detective and landing a coveted spot in the Specialized Investigations Division - Homicide Detail.
He spent six years working nearly 200 murders, officer involved shootings, and other suspicious homicides before being promoted one final time to sergeant before retiring.
Derek moved his family out of the hustle and bustle of California and now lives in Knoxville, Tennessee where he teaches criminal justice courses, consults with novelists and screenwriters, and now with this debut novel, has kicked off his career as an author.view less