Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas-area Democratic politician, has been found guilty of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German and sentenced to life in prison. The jury deliberated for several hours before reaching a verdict, believing prosecutors' claims that Telles stabbed German to death in September 2022 out of vengeance for German's critical stories about him.
In a shocking conclusion to a highly publicized trial, Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas-area Democratic politician, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, reached a verdict after deliberating for several hours on Tuesday, finding that Telles was guilty of the premeditated murder.
Las Vegas Politician Sentenced to Life for Murdering Investigative Journalist
Telles, 47, had pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that he was being framed. However, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence against him, including DNA believed to be from Telles found beneath German's fingernails, cut-up pieces of a straw hat and shoes resembling those worn by the person seen on video outside German's home, and hundreds of photos of German's home and neighborhood on Telles' devices.
German, a veteran investigative journalist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, had written critical stories about Telles and his workplace conduct, including allegations of an inappropriate romantic relationship with a female coworker. Telles, who lost his Democratic primary for a second term as a result of German's reporting, allegedly blamed German for destroying his career and reputation.
Las Vegas Politician Sentenced to Life for Murdering Investigative Journalist
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Telles carefully planned and executed the murder, lying in wait for German outside his home on September 2, 2022. The prosecution timeline and videos of Telles' maroon SUV leaving his neighborhood and driving near German's home shortly before and after the murder supported this theory.
Telles himself testified during the trial, denying any involvement in the murder and referring to the person seen on camera as the actual killer. However, his testimony was contradicted by the evidence, including a surprise text message that surfaced during the trial, allegedly deleted from his phone but recovered via his wife's Apple Watch.
Las Vegas Politician Sentenced to Life for Murdering Investigative Journalist
The jury ultimately found Telles guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon, which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The verdict brings a sense of closure to German's family and colleagues, who have been devastated by his loss.
German was the only journalist killed in the United States in 2022, underscoring the increasing dangers journalists face in today's society. His death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community and has prompted calls for increased protection for journalists who hold the powerful to account.
Las Vegas Politician Sentenced to Life for Murdering Investigative Journalist
The conviction of Robert Telles sends a strong message that those who target journalists will be held accountable for their actions. It serves as a reminder of the vital role journalists play in informing the public and upholding the principles of democracy.
