A Neveda jury on Wednesday found former politician Robert Telles guilty of murdering Jeff German, a veteran Las Vegas journalist known for his investigative work and critical articles about Telles. German was stabbed to death outside his Las Vegas Valley home on September 3, 2022.
Police and the jury concluded that Telles, who headed an office responsible for managing estates of individuals without heirs, was the attacker.
German’s article on Telles
Months before the attack, German wrote an article in The Las Vegas Review-Journal detailing allegations against Telles, including claims of a toxic work environment and an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Telles lost his re-election bid soon after the article was published, and prosecutors argued that he targeted German as an act of revenge.
Defense claims of a frame-up
Telles’s defense lawyer, Robert Draskovich, argued that Telles was framed and the evidence was manipulated and portrayed German’s reporting as insufficient motive for murder.
The country official had also denied his involvement and alleged a conspiracy involving corrupt businesspeople and a professional hitman. He claimed multiple parties, including law enforcement, were involved in framing him.
However, Clark County chief deputy district attorney Pamela Weckerly said that the case was solely about the murder, not the political backdrop. “It’s just about murder,” she said, pointing to DNA evidence and video footage that linked Telles to the crime.
Las Vegas Review-Journal honors German
Glenn Cook, executive editor of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, praised the jury’s decision and called it a measure of justice for Jeff German. Cook highlighted German’s dedication to holding public officials accountable and described him as a man who deeply valued his work and community, according to an AP report. Throughout his journalism career, German investigated many organized crime, political corruption, and various other major issues.
Police and the jury concluded that Telles, who headed an office responsible for managing estates of individuals without heirs, was the attacker.
German’s article on Telles
Months before the attack, German wrote an article in The Las Vegas Review-Journal detailing allegations against Telles, including claims of a toxic work environment and an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Telles lost his re-election bid soon after the article was published, and prosecutors argued that he targeted German as an act of revenge.
Defense claims of a frame-up
Telles’s defense lawyer, Robert Draskovich, argued that Telles was framed and the evidence was manipulated and portrayed German’s reporting as insufficient motive for murder.
The country official had also denied his involvement and alleged a conspiracy involving corrupt businesspeople and a professional hitman. He claimed multiple parties, including law enforcement, were involved in framing him.
However, Clark County chief deputy district attorney Pamela Weckerly said that the case was solely about the murder, not the political backdrop. “It’s just about murder,” she said, pointing to DNA evidence and video footage that linked Telles to the crime.
Las Vegas Review-Journal honors German
Glenn Cook, executive editor of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, praised the jury’s decision and called it a measure of justice for Jeff German. Cook highlighted German’s dedication to holding public officials accountable and described him as a man who deeply valued his work and community, according to an AP report. Throughout his journalism career, German investigated many organized crime, political corruption, and various other major issues.
