The trial against Robert Telles, a former Nevada county official accused of murdering a journalist he blamed for his career and personal troubles, commenced on Monday with the selection of the jury. Telles, who formerly held the position of Clark County public administrator, stands accused of killing 69-year-old Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German, who was found stabbed to death outside his home in September 2022.

Telles, aged 47, was apprehended a few days later after DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene was discovered in his residence, according to law enforcement officials. He has been held without bail ever since. It is alleged that Telles had a confrontation with German a day prior to the murder, with witnesses spotting him near German's house.

On the day of the incident, Telles reportedly donned a straw hat and reflective vest, leaving his phone behind, before heading to German's residence. Police claim that Telles stabbed the journalist seven times. German's DNA was found on Telles' hands and fingernails. Authorities took Telles into custody with what they described as self-inflicted stab wounds, which were deemed non-life-threatening.

Telles has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and, if convicted, could face a life sentence in prison. Telles' defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, conveyed that his client is eager to share his side of the story during the trial.

Before his tragic demise, German had published an investigative report into the hostile work environment present in Telles' office, alleging bullying, retaliation, and an "inappropriate relationship" between Telles and a member of his staff. Telles refuted these allegations. One of Telles' former coworkers, Rita Reid, described German as a "hero" for shining a light on the turmoil in Telles' office. Reid and her colleagues had blown the whistle on the situation.

Commenting on the case, Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo characterized it as an "unusual" one and emphasized the significance of the role journalists play as watchdogs for government transparency. He reaffirmed the commitment to thoroughly addressing the case.

The tragic murder of German struck a chord within the journalism community. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, German was the lone journalist killed in the United States in 2022, while globally, at least 67 journalists lost their lives that year.

As the trial unfolds, the courtroom will become the stage for the presentation of evidence and the examination of witnesses, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding German's untimely death.