Former Politician Accused of Pre-Meditated Murder
A Nevada jury was presented with evidence on Monday showing that a former local Democratic politician, Robert Telles, had collected hundreds of photos of slain investigative journalist Jeff German’s home and neighborhood before the reporter’s death. Prosecutors allege that Telles, who had been the subject of several critical articles by German, “lay in wait” before killing the journalist in a planned attack.
Photos and Personal Data Found on Telles’ Devices
During the trial, prosecutor Christopher Hamner detailed for the jury that images retrieved from Telles’ cellphone and computer included a photograph of a single gray athletic shoe with a distinctive black pattern. Another photo showed Telles’ work computer at the Clark County Public Administrator and Guardian office, displaying search results for German’s personal information, including his name, home address, vehicle registration, and date of birth. These photos were reportedly taken on August 23, 2022, less than two weeks before German was brutally murdered in a side yard of his home.
“This image came out of Mr. Telles’ phone?” Hamner asked digital forensics supervisor Matthew Hovanec, who confirmed that the data was indeed extracted from Telles’ devices.
Prosecution Rests After Four Days of Testimony
The prosecution rested its case on Monday after four days of testimony from over two dozen witnesses. Detective Justine Gatus, the primary homicide investigator in German’s case, was the final witness for the prosecution. She highlighted the unflattering articles German wrote in May and June 2022, which detailed turmoil within the county office where Telles worked. Gatus also noted Telles’ social media posts during that period, in which he criticized German and dismissed the articles as false.
DNA Evidence and Surveillance Footage Presented
Earlier in the trial, jurors were shown surveillance footage from neighbors’ security cameras that captured a figure in orange entering German’s side yard on the day of the murder. Although no orange shirt or murder weapon was submitted as evidence, a gray sneaker identical to the one seen in the video was discovered at Telles’ home, cut into pieces and stained with blood from an unidentified source. Forensic scientists testified that Telles’ DNA was found beneath German’s fingernails.
Telles Denies Involvement, Plans to Testify
Robert Telles has pleaded not guilty to murder and could face life in prison if convicted. He maintains his innocence, claiming he was framed for the crime. Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, announced that Telles intends to testify in his own defense, possibly as soon as Tuesday afternoon.
Jeff German, 69, was the only journalist killed in the United States in 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. German had spent 44 years covering organized crime and public officials in Las Vegas. His death sent shockwaves through the journalistic community, and his family has attended each day of the trial but has chosen not to comment publicly.
The trial continues as the defense prepares to present its case.
