The the trial of Robert Telles continues Thursday in Las Vegas as prosecutors build their case. The former Clark County public administrator is charged with murder in the 2022 death of Jeff German, a longtime investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
German, 69, was was found dead outside his home Labor Day weekend. He had been stabbed seven times and had wounds on his arms and hands.
Telles, 47, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder with a deadly weapon of a person age 60 or older in the case. He has denied killing the Germanand told “48 Hours” correspondent Peter Van Sant that evidence was planted in his home.
German had written articles critical of Telle’s handling of his office and continued with further reporting. Prosecutors have said Telles was upset by the coverage.
Jury selection in the trial was completed on Tuesday and opening arguments began on Wednesday. “This case is not about politics, it’s about murder,” Clark County Assistant District Attorney Pamela Weckerly told the jury.
Defense attorneys argued that the critical coverage of Telles’ office was not a motive for murder, and Telles was a dedicated public servant who was framed.
Telles could face life in prison if convicted.