A jury has sentenced Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician, to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after a minimum of 20 years for the fatal stabbing of Las Vegas investigative reporter Jeff German.
Telles, formerly a Clark County public administrator, was found guilty of the September 2022 murder of German, a seasoned reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The trial underscored concerns about press safety. The jury determined the murder was “willful, deliberate and premeditated,” carried out by “lying in wait.” Telles shook his head as the verdict was announced.
Telles faced three sentencing options, with the least severe being 50 years in prison and the most severe being life without parole.
-Robert Telles is a coward. He thought he can go “undercover” in a disguise to kill the late Jeff German. As a lawyer, he wasn’t SO bright cause you know DNA is everywhere, even on your finger prints & bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, bile, semen, urine & etc. pic.twitter.com/s4bBR33LfI
— .•.LittleLeigh.•. (@LittleLeighXoxo) August 28, 2024
During the penalty phase on Wednesday, German’s siblings shared the profound impact of his death on their lives. Jay German described Jeff as the supportive big brother the family relied on.
Telles’ mother also testified, pleading with the jury for mercy so her son could eventually be paroled and be part of his children’s lives.
Glenn Cook, executive editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, commended the verdict, calling it a “measure of justice” for German and journalists worldwide. He highlighted the risks journalists face, noting that in many countries, the killers of journalists go unpunished. Cook praised law enforcement and prosecutors for their diligent work.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated the verdict sent a clear message that attempts to silence or intimidate journalists would not be tolerated.
The trial, which took place in Clark County, came nearly two years after German’s murder spotlighted violence against journalists in the United States. Since 1992, 14 journalists have been killed in the US, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
I was in court yesterday for closing arguments in the murder case of investigative reporter Jeff German. Photographer @kmcannonphoto shot a very telling image of suspect Robert Telles. We’re all awaiting verdict. Kevin, Jeff and I worked on the 4 stories that led us here. pic.twitter.com/m78ASytBny
— Rhonda Prast (@prast24) August 27, 2024
German, 69, had reported on Las Vegas’s criminal elements, corrupt officials, and government agencies. Prosecutors argued that his coverage of the Clark County Public Administrator’s office, which included allegations of a hostile work environment and inappropriate relationships involving Telles, led to the murder. Telles lost his re-election bid in a Democratic primary in June 2022 partly due to these reports.
German was found dead outside his home with stab wounds on September 2, 2022. Prosecutors alleged Telles, angry about German’s articles and concerned about another forthcoming report, disguised himself with a large sun hat and ambushed German outside his home before stabbing him to death.
The prosecution presented evidence, including video footage and DNA, linking Telles to the crime. Witnesses testified about a maroon SUV seen at the scene, which belonged to Telles, and DNA under German’s fingernails matched Telles’.
Prosecutor Christopher Hamner argued that Telles killed German because his reporting had damaged Telles’ career and reputation. In contrast, Telles’ defense claimed he was framed by political opponents.
Telles testified, denying the murder and suggesting a conspiracy involving a real estate company and his office colleagues. He claimed he spent the day of the killing at home, then went for a walk and to the gym, presenting phone logs as evidence.
In cross-examination, prosecutor Hamner highlighted inconsistencies in Telles’ account. Defense attorney Robert Draskovich suggested Telles genuinely believed in a conspiracy due to his circumstances but did not fully endorse this theory in closing arguments.
Ultimately, the prosecution dismissed the conspiracy theory, emphasizing the lack of evidence and the implausibility of such a wide-reaching plot.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports that Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician, was found guilty of murdering journalist Jeff German and sentenced to life in prison.(read more)
- Latimes reports that Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas politician, was found guilty of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German, sentenced to life in prison.(read more)
- CNN reports that a former Las Vegas official has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a local investigative reporter, a case that sparked concerns about press freedom and the risks journalists face.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Robert Telles and what was he convicted for?
Robert Telles, a former Nevada politician, was convicted for fatally stabbing investigative reporter Jeff German.
What was the sentence given to Robert Telles?
Telles was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 20 years.
Why did Robert Telles kill Jeff German?
Prosecutors said Telles killed German due to anger over articles German wrote, which impacted Telles’ career and reputation.
How did the jury characterize the murder of Jeff German?
The jury found the murder was ‘willful, deliberate and premeditated’ and carried out by ‘lying in wait.’
What evidence was used to convict Robert Telles?
Evidence included surveillance video, a maroon SUV, a disguise, and DNA from under German’s fingernails.