Murder trial of ex-politician Robert Telles begins with opposing narratives

Opening statements in the murder trial of Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician accused of killing investigative journalist Jeff German, presented two opposing narratives on Wednesday.

Robert Telles, once the Clark County Public Administrator, has denied charges of murder with a deadly weapon for the September 2022 death of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Pamela Weckerly outlined a chronological account of the murder and the subsequent investigation which pointed towards Telles, based on video, physical, and DNA evidence.

The only person who is making this political is #RobertTelles.

Hostile work environments cost. All of this is as a result of #Telles and his leadership, or lack of. He thought killing one reporter would be fine. Wrong answer.

I feel sorry for the #TellesKids. They didn’t ask… pic.twitter.com/11ZTY6XqLv

— Bernice Sykes, PhD (Doc Bunny)🕊️❤️🤍💙🕊️ (@Docbunny2020) August 14, 2024

“This case boils down to murder,” she stated, highlighting that it is not about politics, workplace relationships, or job performance. “We will ask you to hold him accountable for his actions,” she added.

Defence attorney Robert Draskovich suggested a conspiracy to frame Telles, claiming his client was targeted for attempting to expose corruption in his office. “They focused solely on Robert Telles from the beginning,” he argued.

Telles is expected to testify in his defence, according to Draskovich.

The trial arrives nearly two years after the killing, drawing attention to violence against journalists in the US. Since 1992, 14 journalists have been murdered in the country, including a TV reporter in Florida last year, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

National Press Club representatives Jen Judson and Gil Klein emphasised the dangers journalists face even within the US, following German’s death.

Jeff German, 69, known for his exposés on Las Vegas’s criminal underworld, had been investigating misconduct in the Clark County Public Administrator’s office. He reported that Telles had created a hostile work environment and had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Telles denied these allegations and accused German of slander. After losing his re-election bid in June 2022, German was found dead with multiple stab wounds outside his home on September 2, 2022. He was working on a story about Telles at the time.

The indictment claims the murder was premeditated and deliberate. The prosecution presented photos and videos as crucial evidence. Surveillance footage showed a suspect in a sunhat, orange jacket, and grey Nike sneakers, driving a maroon SUV. This suspect was seen near German’s home, hiding and waiting before the attack. The vehicle was linked to Telles’ family, and cut-up items matching the suspect’s attire were found in Telles’ house. DNA under German’s fingernails matched Telles’.

Investigators also found Google Maps images of German’s house on Telles’ phone. They noted German’s critical reporting and an email Telles received about a public records request shortly before the murder.

Draskovich portrayed Telles as a family man trying to reform the Clark County office, which allegedly angered longstanding employees. He questioned the police investigation’s integrity, mentioning no blood was found on the items linked to Telles and suggesting they were planted.

German was stabbed seven times, with DNA evidence under his fingernails consistent with a struggle, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Scow. Judge Elana Lee Graham found this detail particularly alarming.

Following Telles’ arrest, a judge approved a motion to remove him from office. The trial has faced delays due to changes in Telles’ legal representation and issues accessing German’s devices.