Jury selection commenced on Monday, August 12, 2024, in the high-profile murder trial of Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas-area elected official accused of killing investigative journalist Jeff German. The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting concerns about the safety of journalists and the potential consequences of their work.
German, a 69-year-old veteran reporter known for his coverage of courts, organized crime, government corruption, and political scandals, was found dead outside his home on September 3, 2022. His death sent shockwaves through the journalism community, as he became the only journalist killed in the United States among at least 67 news media workers slain worldwide that year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Telles, 47, who served as Clark County Public Administrator, was arrested five days after German’s body was discovered. Prosecutors allege that articles German wrote for the Las Vegas Review-Journal in early 2022, which were critical of Telles and his office, provided a motive for the killing.
The trial, presided over by Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt, is expected to last approximately two weeks. Prosecutors Pamela Weckerly and Christopher Hamner are not seeking the death penalty, but Telles could face life in prison if convicted.
Defense attorney Robert Draskovich stated that Telles is “looking forward to telling his side of the story.” Telles has pleaded not guilty to the charge of open murder and maintains his innocence.
The jury selection process began with 300 potential jurors receiving questionnaires about their knowledge of the case. The high-profile nature of the crime and its impact on the Las Vegas community may pose challenges in selecting an impartial jury.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson expressed the gravity of the case, stating, “The state of Nevada is looking forward, on behalf of Jeff and his family, to finally seeing that justice is achieved.”
The trial has reignited discussions about the risks faced by investigative journalists. Tom Pitaro, a veteran Las Vegas defense attorney who knew German, remarked on the case’s impact: “It turned everything upside down. I think people are in shock about how this could come about.”
As the trial unfolds, it is expected to draw significant media attention and scrutiny from both the legal and journalistic communities. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for press freedom and the protection of journalists engaged in investigative reporting.
The prosecution’s case reportedly includes DNA evidence believed to belong to Telles found beneath German’s fingernails, as well as surveillance footage of a person matching Telles’ description near German’s home on the day of the murder.
As jury selection continues, both the prosecution and defense teams will work to empanel a fair and impartial jury to hear this complex and emotionally charged case.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/robert-telles-trial-underway-jeff-german-las-vegas-murder/
[2] https://www.kcra.com/article/trial-for-ex-politician-accused-of-killing-las-vegas-investigative-reporter/61854671
[3] https://www.lvmpd.com/about/bureaus/homicide
[4] https://apnews.com/article/vegas-journalist-killed-telles-murder-trial-d877608958428cc7824107d033cc1cc3
[5] https://lasvegassun.com/news/2024/aug/12/jury-selection-to-begin-for-ex-politician-accused/
[6] https://www.lvmpd.com/about/bureaus/homicide/open-cases-by-year/1980-1989
[7] https://www.2news.com/news/nevada/trial-of-ex-politician-in-killing-of-vegas-reporter-opens-with-video-of-attacker-laying/article_f874a40a-12a8-5bcb-a10f-b5d6c6ff2e6b.html
Last modified: June 20, 2025
