A former Democratic politician in Nevada has taken the stand in his trial for the murder of an investigative journalist, denying any involvement in the crime and claiming he was framed by a real estate firm.
Former Las Vegas Democratic politician Robert Telles, 47, took the stand in his murder trial on Wednesday to proclaim his innocence in the death of investigative journalist Jeff German.
"Unequivocally I'm innocent," Telles declared to the Nevada jury.
Former Nevada Politician on Trial for Murder of Investigative Journalist Claims Innocence
Telles is accused of murdering German in September 2022 after the journalist wrote critical stories about Telles and his workplace conduct. German was found slashed and stabbed to death outside his home.
Telles' attorney, Robert Draskovich, had advised him against taking the stand, but Telles expressed his eagerness to present his defense. "This is the day I've been waiting for," he said.
Former Nevada Politician on Trial for Murder of Investigative Journalist Claims Innocence
Despite strong evidence against him, including DNA found beneath German's fingernails and cut-up pieces of a straw hat and shoes resembling those worn by the person seen on video outside German's home, Telles maintains his innocence.
He has never accounted for his whereabouts on the day of German's death and has accused a real estate firm of framing him. However, no evidence has been presented to support this claim.
Former Nevada Politician on Trial for Murder of Investigative Journalist Claims Innocence
An athletic club manager testified that Telles' membership was used to check in at a Las Vegas location just after noon on the day German was killed, but video of guests arriving and departing is no longer available.
Earlier, a cellphone data expert testified that Telles' phone showed no outgoing activity for several hours that day, including the time when German was killed. Prosecutors believe Telles left his phone at home.
Former Nevada Politician on Trial for Murder of Investigative Journalist Claims Innocence
Telles' arrest came days after German's death, following police circulation of video of a person wearing an orange work shirt and a wide-brimmed straw hat walking toward German's home.
Prosecutors further presented the jury with evidence that Telles had hundreds of photos of German's home and neighborhood on his cellphone and computer, including an image of a gray athletic shoe with a distinctive black pattern.
The prosecution also noted that a photo taken from Telles' work computer less than two weeks before German's death included internet searches for German's name, home address, vehicle registration, and date of birth.
Telles' background and personal life were also discussed during his testimony. He described his upbringing in El Paso, Texas, his legal career, and his family life.
The trial is ongoing, and Telles is expected to resume providing testimony on Thursday. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.
