Former Las Vegas Democratic Official Accused of Murdering Investigative Journalist

In a gripping trial that has captured the attention of the nation, a Nevada jury was presented with shocking evidence on Monday regarding the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German. Robert Telles, a former Democratic Clark County administrator of estates, stands accused of brutally killing German in September 2022, just months after German had written critical articles about Telles and his office.

The prosecution, which concluded its case on Monday after four days of testimony, unveiled compelling photographic evidence found on Telles' cell phone and computer. It included hundreds of photos of German's home and neighborhood, providing a haunting insight into Telles' alleged obsession with the journalist. Among the photographs were images of German's home address, vehicle registration, and even personal details such as his date of birth.

One particularly alarming photo showed a gray athletic shoe with a distinct black pattern, resembling the shoe worn by a figure captured on German's neighbor's security camera footage on the day of the murder. Another photograph depicted Telles' work computer at the Clark County Public Administrator and Guardian office, displaying internet search results for German's name. Prosecutors emphasized that this photo was taken less than two weeks before German's untimely death.

The testimony of Matthew Hovanec, a Las Vegas digital forensics supervisor, shed light on Telles' suspicious online activity. Hovanec revealed that Telles had conducted multiple Google searches for "Jeff German Las Vegas" and that there were 132 Google Maps images tagged with German-related content. The defense sought to cast doubt on the evidence, suggesting the possibility of hacking, but Hovanec maintained that he had never personally witnessed such a situation.

Detective Justine Gatus, the primary investigator of German's murder, highlighted the tense relationship between Telles and the journalist. She testified that German's earlier articles about Telles and the county office were critical and that Telles had taken to social media to vehemently refute the allegations. However, Gatus pointed out that Telles' public denouncements did not diminish the existence of evidence linking him to the crime.

A chilling discovery made during Telles' arrest further fanned the flames of suspicion. Amidst the investigation, a gray sneaker similar to the one seen in the security camera footage outside German's home was found at Telles' residence, meticulously cut into pieces and tainted with blood. While neither an orange shirt nor the murder weapon were presented as evidence, the prosecution built a compelling case against Telles, citing DNA found beneath German's fingernails and dismantled items resembling those worn by the mysterious figure seen on video.

Jeff German was a highly regarded journalist who spent 44 years building a reputation for uncovering corruption and reporting on organized crime and political scandals in Las Vegas. His murder sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a thorough investigation into his tragic demise.

Telles, who has pleaded not guilty, intends to testify in his defense. His defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, informed the Associated Press that Telles will take the witness stand, potentially concluding his defense case on Tuesday afternoon. As the trial continues, the nation anxiously awaits the outcome of this high-profile case that has rocked the foundations of Las Vegas politics and journalism.