A former Nevada politician has been convicted of first-degree murder in the high-profile case surrounding the death of a journalist known for his critical reporting.
Robert Telles, 47, has been in custody since 2022 for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German. The jury presented with compelling DNA evidence, which was identified under German’s fingernails, found Telles guilty after deliberating for two days.
Telles, who served as the Clark County public administrator before being charged, remained expressionless in court as the verdict was announced. He bowed his head in response to the ruling and now faces potential life imprisonment during sentencing.
The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, spent approximately 12 hours deliberating following a two-week trial that showcased testimonies from dozens of witnesses, including law enforcement officials and forensic experts. Telles asserted his innocence, claiming he was framed throughout the proceedings.
German, 69, was discovered with multiple stab wounds outside his Nevada home in September 2022. Prosecutors alleged that Telles murdered the journalist due to unflattering articles that criticized his behavior in office, including claims of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and other alleged misconduct.
Surveillance footage captured an individual resembling Telles outside German’s residence at the time of the incident. Subsequently, police uncovered remnants of similar attire at Telles’s home, which had been tampered with to evade identification.
The prosecution maintained that Telles was indeed the assailant, highlighting DNA evidence and video footage that placed Telles’s vehicle near the crime scene shortly before the attack. In contrast, the defense argued that the evidence had been fabricated to implicate Telles and denied that German’s reporting constituted a motive for murder.
Following the verdict, the Clark County District Attorney expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, emphasizing the verdict as a clear affirmation of justice.
Jeff German was a dedicated journalist who had covered political corruption for over four decades and had been preparing to publish an article about Telles prior to his tragic death. His work aimed to hold public officials accountable, and the court’s decision brings a significant measure of justice in this case.
