Former Politician Robert Telles on Trial for Murder of Investigative Reporter Jeff German

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

The trial of Robert Telles, the former Clark County Public Administrator accused of murdering Las Vegas investigative journalist Jeff German, began with the selection of a jury and opening arguments from both sides. The trial, which has captured public attention, is centered around allegations that Telles killed German after a series of investigative reports written by the journalist exposed issues within Telles' office.
On the first day of the trial, a jury comprising seven men and seven women was selected and sworn in. They will decide the fate of Telles, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial is being presided over by Judge Michelle Leavitt, who reminded the jury of Telles' presumption of innocence.
Prosecutors began their opening statements by highlighting the circumstances leading to German’s death. Chief Deputy District Attorney Pam Weckerly described how German was found dead on September 9, 2022, with his body decomposing outside his home. According to Weckerly, German's neighbors grew concerned when they could not reach him, and it was initially believed he had died of natural causes until evidence of foul play emerged.
Weckerly presented the jury with surveillance footage showing German being attacked outside his home the night before his body was discovered. The video depicted the perpetrator “lying in wait” for German, then fleeing to a maroon SUV after the attack. The prosecution also displayed autopsy photos and recounted the investigation that followed.
The prosecutor detailed how German’s investigative reporting on Telles had led to a contentious relationship between the two. Telles had publicly criticized German, calling his reports “politically motivated” and referring to him as a bully on social media. Weckerly pointed to this animosity as a potential motive, explaining that Telles had a maroon SUV similar to the one seen in the surveillance footage and that DNA evidence found under German’s fingernails matched Telles’.
The prosecution's case also included details of a police search of Telles' home, where they discovered items resembling those seen in the surveillance footage. Weckerly emphasized that the case was solely about murder, stating, "This case is just about murder—not politics or who was a good boss."
In response, Telles' defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, painted a different picture. He portrayed Telles as a family man and a reformer who had made changes in the Public Administrator's office that upset longtime employees. Draskovich argued that these employees conspired against Telles, using German to dig up damaging information.
He also questioned the focus on Telles’ vehicle, pointing out that 67 other vehicles in the area matched the description of the maroon SUV seen near the crime scene.
Draskovich challenged the prosecution’s narrative, asserting that "losing a job is not a motive for murder" and highlighting German’s reputation for making enemies through his bold reporting. He presented voicemail threats Telles had received and suggested that there was a "bigger picture" that had not been fully investigated.
The court heard from its first witness, Holly Bailey, who had been German’s neighbor for 27 years. Bailey provided emotional testimony about the day she and her husband discovered German’s body. She described her initial concern when she noticed German’s garage door was left open, something he never did. When her text messages to German went unanswered, she became increasingly worried. The next day, her husband went to check on German and found his lifeless body, prompting a 911 call.
Bailey’s testimony left the courtroom in silence, with the defense choosing not to cross-examine her. The trial is expected to continue with more witnesses and evidence being presented by both sides.
This trial, set against the backdrop of journalistic integrity and political intrigue, continues to unfold with significant public interest as the jury deliberates the facts and determines Telles’ fate.
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