NV vs. Robert Telles: Murder trial against investigative reporter

LAS VEGAS (Court TV) — Former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, accused of murdering veteran journalist Jeff German, is on trial in Las Vegas.

Telles was arrested on September 8, 2022, five days after a neighbor found German's body outside his Las Vegas home. The 69-year-old victim, who had worked as an investigative reporter for over 40 years, had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police were able to find surveillance video of a possible suspect on the security camera of a nearby home. A person wearing a large straw hat and an orange safety vest was seen walking to and from German's home. Police also spotted a maroon Yukon Denali as the possible suspect's vehicle. According to Telles' arrest report, an SUV of that make, model and color was registered to Telles' wife.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for Telles' home and car and permission to take a DNA sample. Prosecutors said a straw hat cut into pieces and a bloody sneaker similar to the suspect's footwear were found in Telles' home. Telles' DNA was reportedly found under the victim's fingernails.

Prosecutors believe Telles, now 47, killed German because he was upset about articles German had written for the Las Vegas Review-Journal about Telles' alleged inappropriate relationship with a co-worker. Other Telles co-workers also told German about their hostile work environment, which he detailed in his reports. Telles also lost the next election, which prosecutors believe was another motive.

MORE | What you need to know: The Robert Telles investigation

Telles pleaded not guilty to the murder, claiming he was framed and that the evidence against him was fabricated by police and prosecutors.

Telles has been held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center since his arrest nearly two years ago.

If convicted, Telles faces a life sentence.

DAILY TEST UPDATES

DAY 1 – 14.08.24

• Prosecutor Pam Weckerly told jurors in her opening statement that the prosecution's evidence included DNA found in the victim's fingernails that matched the defendant, and that a search of the defendant's home found clothing similar to that worn by the suspect who was caught on video attacking Jeff German.
• Defense attorney Robert Draskovich said evidence from his client's home could be planted and that Robert Telles, as city manager, had vowed to clean up his office, and his extensive investigations into corrupt practices had made him unpopular.
• Jeff German's neighbors tear up as they recall how their fear over his seemingly improbable behavior led to his battered body being found outside his home.
• A homicide detective searched the neighborhood for surveillance video and compiled a video timeline documenting the suspect's movements leading up to his attack on the victim in his home in broad daylight.