Las Vegas, Nevada – A former Nevada politician, Robert Telles, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 20 years for the fatal stabbing of Las Vegas investigative reporter Jeff German. Telles, a 47-year-old former Clark County public administrator, was found guilty of the murder, which the jury described as “willful, deliberate, and premeditated.”
The trial shed light on concerns surrounding press safety, with German’s siblings testifying during the penalty phase about the impact of his death on their lives. German, a veteran journalist at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was known for his investigative reporting that held elected officials accountable for their actions.
Prosecutors alleged that Telles killed German in retaliation for his articles exposing alleged wrongdoing in the Clark County Public Administrator’s office, where Telles held a position. German was found dead outside his home in September 2022, with prosecutors presenting evidence linking Telles to the crime scene through DNA, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies.
During the trial, Telles maintained his innocence, presenting a conspiracy theory suggesting he was framed for the murder. However, prosecutors argued that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to Telles as the perpetrator, including DNA matching under German’s fingernails, video surveillance of Telles’ actions on the day of the murder, and incriminating text messages criticizing German’s reporting.
The case highlighted the risks faced by journalists globally, with the jury’s verdict sending a clear message that acts of violence or intimidation against the media will not be tolerated. Telles’ conviction was praised by the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s executive editor as a step towards justice for German and all journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The trial, which lasted several weeks, captivated the community and underscored the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable. As Telles begins his life sentence, the legacy of Jeff German lives on in the pursuit of truth and justice, reminding us of the sacrifices journalists make to uphold democratic values.