Former County Official Convicted in Journalist's Murder

Robert Telles, a former Clark County public administrator, was found guilty of the premeditated murder of investigative reporter Jeff German. The jury deliberated for over 10 hours, highlighting increased threats to journalists in the U.S. Telles faces a potential life sentence without parole.

A Las Vegas, Nevada jury on Wednesday found former Clark County public administrator, Robert Telles, guilty of murdering investigative reporter Jeff German. The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours, emphasizing the rising threats faced by journalists in the U.S. Telles was convicted of murder with a deadly weapon for the fatal stabbing of German, 69, outside his home on September 2, 2022.

County prosecutor Christopher Hamner highlighted in his closing arguments that Telles had ''taken the life of an individual who was simply doing his job.'' Telles, who faces a possible life sentence without parole, showed visible distress as the court clerk read the verdict confirming his conviction for premeditated first-degree murder of an elderly person. German's family members and colleagues, who had prompted the investigation into Telles, expressed their grief and solidarity in the courtroom.

Prosecutors presented compelling evidence against Telles, including DNA found under German's fingernails and video footage linking Telles to the crime scene. During the trial, Telles claimed he was framed, suggesting a conspiracy involving a kickback scheme, but this defense was widely rebutted by the prosecution. The case has thrust the issue of journalist safety into the spotlight, with advocacy groups noting a decline in the U.S. ranking for press freedom.