Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician, has been found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of investigative journalist Jeff German.
Telles, 47, was convicted on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, for the stabbing of German, a journalist with the Las Vegas Review-Journal who had written critically about Telles’s conduct during his time in office.
Details of the Case
- Verdict and Sentencing
After deliberating for two days, a jury of 12 returned a guilty verdict. Telles, who had maintained his innocence throughout the trial, now faces the possibility of life imprisonment. The jury, which comprised seven women and five men, deliberated for approximately 12 hours before reaching their conclusion. Telles, who served as Clark County public administrator until 2022, remained impassive as the verdict was read. - Trial Highlights
The trial, which lasted two weeks, included testimony from various witnesses including detectives, forensic experts, and those who knew Telles. Prosecutors presented DNA evidence found under German’s fingernails, which they claimed linked Telles to the crime scene. Security footage showing a suspect in a large straw hat and sneakers outside German’s home, as well as remnants of similar items found at Telles’s residence, were crucial to the prosecution’s case.Despite Telles’s claims of being framed and arguments from his defense attorneys that the evidence had been planted, the prosecution’s presentation of DNA evidence, a timeline, and video footage contributed to the jury’s verdict. Telles had lost his bid for re-election in 2022 following German’s critical reports.
- Background and Motive
German, 69, was found stabbed seven times outside his Nevada home in September 2022. Prosecutors argued that Telles was motivated by German’s unflattering articles, which included allegations of inappropriate behavior and hostility in his office. Telles’s defeat in the primary election following these reports was cited as a possible motive. - Public and Media Reaction
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson praised the jury’s decision, calling it a “home run” for justice. Glenn Cook, executive editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, expressed that the verdict delivered a measure of justice for German, whose reporting held public officials accountable and informed voters. - Legacy of Jeff German
Jeff German was a respected journalist with over four decades of experience in investigative reporting. At the time of his death, he was preparing to publish another article about Telles. His work was known for its commitment to exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
Robert Telles’s conviction marks a significant development in the case, reflecting the judicial system’s response to the serious charges against him and the impact of German’s investigative work.
