Jeff German, a seasoned investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was found tragically murdered outside his home in September 2022. The suspect? None other than Robert Telles, a former Clark County public administrator who had been the subject of German’s relentless reporting.
German, a respected figure in Las Vegas journalism, was known for his fearless investigations into organized crime, violent criminals, and corrupt officials. His work often exposed the underbelly of the city, making him both admired and feared. So, when German was found with multiple stab wounds, including four to the neck, investigators immediately suspected a motive linked to his work.
Among the many names on the suspect list, one stood out: Robert Telles. German had written extensively about Telles, exposing allegations of bullying, intimidation, and an inappropriate relationship with a staff member within the public administrator’s office.
German’s reporting stemmed from the accounts of four female employees, including Telles’ former top assistant, Rita Reed. They painted a picture of a toxic work environment where Telles operated with a sense of impunity. Despite Telles’ denials, the damage was done. His bid for re-election was crushed, and he lashed out at German on social media, branding him a liar and accusing him of being obsessed with him.
The investigation into German’s murder quickly uncovered compelling evidence pointing towards Telles. Surveillance footage captured a suspect matching Telles’ description near German’s home on the day of the murder. Further solidifying their suspicions, investigators discovered that the suspect’s vehicle, a maroon Yukon Denali, was registered to Telles’ wife.
Adding to the mounting evidence, a search of Telles’ home revealed pieces of a cut-up straw hat resembling the one worn by the suspect in the surveillance video. The most damning piece of evidence came from DNA analysis. Telles’ DNA was found under German’s fingernails, placing him at the scene of the crime.
When confronted with the evidence, Telles barricaded himself in his home, allegedly making threats of self-harm before being apprehended by a SWAT team. He was subsequently indicted for murder by a grand jury.
Despite the evidence against him, Telles maintains his innocence, claiming he was framed for the crime. He even went as far as attempting to have the judge removed from his case, alleging bias.
After a series of delays, including a legal battle over access to German’s personal devices, jury selection for Telles’ trial is set to begin. The trial promises to be a closely watched affair, as the prosecution presents its evidence and Telles, now represented by a defense attorney, fights to clear his name.
