The trial of Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles, accused of killing investigative reporter Jeff German, is set to begin with jury selection on Monday. The shocking death of German, who had developed deep sources over 44 years in Las Vegas, government, and courthouses, has left many in shock. The killing, which occurred on Labor Day weekend 2022, drew widespread attention due to German being the only journalist killed in the U.S. among 67 news media workers slain worldwide that year. German, known for his reporting on courts, organized crime, government corruption, political scandals, and mass shootings, wrote articles critical of Telles and a county office in turmoil before his death.
Telles, arrested days after the killing, has pleaded not guilty to open murder and faces potential life in prison if convicted. He is accused of lying in wait for German outside his home, where he was found slashed and stabbed to death. Telles, who ran as a Democrat for Clark County administrator of estates in 2018, lost his elected position after his arrest and had his law license suspended. He has been awaiting trial in jail while maintaining his innocence and expressing a desire to tell his side of the story.
Prospective jurors have filled out questionnaires about the case, and the process of selecting 12 jurors and alternates is expected to take several days. Testimony in the trial, which is not seeking the death penalty, is anticipated to last less than two weeks. Telles has made several attempts to dismiss the case, alleging illegal detention by police, deleted body camera video, and missing hospital blood test evidence. Meanwhile, the Review-Journal has fought to protect confidential sources on German’s devices, resulting in delays in the trial.
Prosecutors claim to have strong evidence against Telles, including DNA found under German’s fingernails and items resembling those worn by the person seen on video outside German’s home found at Telles’ residence. Family and friends of German, who have declined to comment on the trial, have been awaiting justice for his death. The Committee to Protect Journalists, which has documented journalists’ deaths in the U.S., notes that killings of journalists in the country are rare. Experts highlight the challenges journalists may face, such as threats from protesters or law enforcers during civil unrest or violence, despite such incidents being uncommon.
Telles has sought a speedy trial, but legal battles over the protection of confidential sources and other evidence have caused delays in the proceedings. The Review-Journal has argued for the protection of names and unpublished material on German’s devices, while Telles has attempted to prevent testimony related to a hostile workplace and discrimination lawsuit filed against him by four women in the office he formerly led. The trial is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding German’s death, the motives behind the killing, and the evidence linking Telles to the crime. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of Telles and seek justice for the slain journalist.
