Prosecutors have accused former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles of fatally stabbing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German on September 2, 2022, over articles the journalist had written about Telles’ conduct as an elected official. Telles is accused of “lying in wait” for German outside the reporter’s home while wearing an orange reflective vest and a large straw hat.
Over the course of the trial, prosecutors called 28 witnesses to testify, including detectives, county employees, and the defendant himself. Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, also called six witnesses, including Telles, before resting his case on the same day German would have turned 71 years old.
Key Testimonies:
‘Where are you?’
On the day German was killed, Telles claimed he was at home, taking a walk, and then going to the gym. However, surveillance footage captured a maroon Yukon Denali SUV, matching the description of one of Telles’ cars, driving from his neighborhood, being driven in German’s neighborhood by the assailant, and then driving back toward Telles’ home. Telles’ phone remained at home that morning, receiving messages but sending no outgoing responses, according to prosecutors.
During the trial, digital forensics analyst Matthew Hovanec testified about finding deleted messages on a cellphone, including a message from Telles’ wife that read, “Where are you?” This message was not found on Telles’ phone, raising questions about his whereabouts and activities on the day of German’s murder.
German’s Last Records Request
German had sought emails and text messages between Telles and other county officials, including correspondence with his employee Roberta Lee-Kennett, before his death. Telles admitted at trial that he had an affair with Lee-Kennett. County officials had alerted Telles about the release of those records the day before German was slain, leading to concerns about the potential impact on Telles’ employment and legal career.
Telles acknowledged that he knew German was digging for more information, including details about the affair. He expressed concerns to his employee, Nichole Lofton, about how the articles could jeopardize his future employment as an attorney in the city. Telles’ anxieties about the potential fallout from German’s investigative reporting were highlighted during his testimony.
Testimony by Narration
During his three days on the witness stand, Telles narrated his version of events without answering questions from his defense attorney. He focused on his theory that he was framed for German’s murder by Compass Realty & Management, over an alleged housing kickback scheme he reported to authorities. However, a Metro detective testified that there was not enough evidence to support Telles’ claims of framing.
Telles faced cross-examination from Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner, who questioned him about his relationship with German, his whereabouts on the day of the murder, and the lack of evidence supporting his framing theory. Despite his assertions of being a victim in the case, Telles’ testimony raised doubts about his innocence in German’s killing.
Surveillance Footage
Former Metropolitan Police Department Detective Cliff Mogg testified about surveillance footage of the Yukon Denali, linking it to Telles’ vehicle and the scene of the crime. Mogg highlighted similarities between the assailant’s vehicle and Telles’ car, including matching features that supported the prosecution’s case against Telles. Homicide Detective Justine Gatus also testified about surveillance footage showing a BMW, resembling another one of Telles’ cars, leaving his neighborhood after German’s murder.
DNA Evidence
Telles was arrested after police found his DNA underneath German’s fingernails, linking him to the crime scene. Telles denied any involvement in German’s murder and expressed confusion about how his DNA ended up on the victim. Additionally, physical evidence, including pieces of a cut-up tennis shoe and hat found at Telles’ home, raised further questions about his potential connection to the crime.
County Employees Testify
The trial featured testimony from the only two employees from the Clark County public administrator’s office, Nichole Lofton and Roberta Lee-Kennett. Lofton described experiencing “bullying” following the release of German’s articles but stated that Telles never directed anger towards her. German’s reporting had exposed a toxic work environment at the office and revealed an inappropriate relationship between Telles and Lee-Kennett, which Telles later admitted to during the trial.
Lee-Kennett messaged Telles after seeing images of the assailant’s vehicle, pointing out the striking similarity to Telles’ car. The interactions between Telles, his employees, and the aftermath of German’s investigative reporting shed light on the tensions and conflicts within the public administrator’s office.
Closing Arguments
As the trial nears its conclusion, attorneys are expected to deliver closing arguments on Monday, summarizing the key testimonies, evidence, and arguments presented throughout the proceedings. The case against Telles hinges on the prosecution’s ability to connect him to German’s murder through witness testimonies, surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and his alleged motives for the crime.
In conclusion, the trial for Jeff German’s murder has revealed a complex web of relationships, motives, and evidence that point towards former public administrator Robert Telles as the prime suspect in the case. With key testimonies highlighting his potential involvement in the crime, the trial’s outcome will determine the justice served for the slain investigative reporter.
