On the second day of the murder trial for the killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German, the focus was on the completion of jury selection. The defendant, Telles, is standing trial on a murder charge for fatally stabbing German in September 2022, allegedly due to articles the reporter wrote about his conduct as an elected official.
### Jury Selection Process
The jury selection process began on Monday afternoon and continued throughout the day on Tuesday. Out of over 60 potential jurors on the first day, the list was narrowed down to less than 40 on Tuesday. However, more than two dozen additional potential jurors were asked to join the panel in the afternoon.
After a thorough selection process, seven men and seven women were chosen to serve on the jury, with a panel of 12 and two alternates. Attorneys engaged in debates over peremptory challenges on Tuesday evening, allowing them to dismiss jurors for various reasons. Both the defense and prosecution had up to nine peremptory challenges each but only used eight each, according to Telles’ defense attorney, Robert Draskovich.
### Questioning of Potential Jurors
Attorneys questioned potential jurors on a wide range of topics to gauge their opinions and biases. They explored the fairness of the criminal justice system, whether jurors would treat police officers differently as witnesses, and how a defendant’s decision to testify or not would impact their judgment.
Additionally, jurors were asked about their prior knowledge of the case through social media or news reports. Those who had heard about the case were required to commit to being impartial throughout the trial proceedings.
### Opening Statements Scheduled
The trial is set to resume on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with opening statements expected to take place. In criminal homicide trials, opening statements can often last several hours as the defense and prosecution lay out their arguments. The judge has indicated that the trial will run until 5 p.m. every day to ensure a timely and efficient process.
As the trial progresses, it will be essential to closely follow the developments and testimonies to understand the intricacies of the case. Stay updated on the latest updates by contacting Katelyn Newberg at knewberg@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0240.
By delving deeper into the details of the murder trial for RJ reporter Jeff German’s killing, we can gain a better understanding of the legal proceedings and the complexities involved in seeking justice for the tragic incident.
