Official on Trial for Alleged Murder of Journalist
The legal case against Robert Telles — the former Nevada county official who purportedly killed a journalist he accused of destroying his career and marriage — commenced Monday with the selection of jurors.
The past Clark County public administrator is charged in the demise of 69-year-old Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German, who was discovered stabbed to death outside his residence in September 2022.
Telles, 47, was apprehended days later after genetic evidence found in his residence linked him to the scene of the crime, according to law enforcement. He has been detained without bail ever since.
On Sept. 2, 2022, Telles allegedly disguised himself in a straw hat and reflective vest, left his phone at home, then headed to German’s residence, where he was accused of stabbing the journalist seven times, according to law enforcement. German was discovered deceased the following day.
While carrying out a search warrant at the local politician’s residence, law enforcement discovered the hat, as well as a pair of shoes with blood on them — both of which they said had been mutilated, purportedly in an attempt to destroy evidence.
His genetic material was also detected on German’s hands and fingernails, law enforcement stated.
Law enforcement took Telles into custody with what they described as non-life-threatening, self-inflicted stab wounds.
Telles has pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder and could potentially receive a life sentence if convicted.
“He’s been anticipating the trial,” Telles’ lawyer, Robert Draskovich, informed The Associated Press. “He desires to recount his narrative.”
Draskovich did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News.
Before his passing, German had published an inquiry into the antagonistic work atmosphere in Telles’ office, which encompassed accusations of intimidation, retaliation, and an “inappropriate relationship” between Telles and a staff member. Telles refuted the claims.
In a conversation on ABC’s “Good Morning America” shortly after his apprehension, Rita Reid — one of Telles’ former colleagues — labeled German a “champion” for uncovering the chaos in Telles’ office, which she alleged she and coworkers reported.
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When she initially discovered of German’s demise, Reid stated her “initial idea was Robert Telles.”
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