Las Vegas Politician's Murder Trial Begins Today

Jury selection begins for case involving investigative reporter's death
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 12, 2024 3:00 AM CDT
Las Vegas Politician's Murder Trial Begins Today
Former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, who is accused of murdering investigative reporter Jeff German, argues in court during a hearing at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Oct. 18, 2023.   (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)

On Monday, the trial of Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles, accused of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German, commences with jury selection. German, known for his work uncovering corruption and scandals, was fatally stabbed outside his home over Labor Day weekend in 2022. The case has garnered significant attention due to the rarity of journalist killings in the US.

German, 69, had penned articles critical of Telles, which prosecutors argue were the motive. Police arrested Telles, 47, after allegedly linking him to the crime through surveillance footage and forensic evidence. Specifically, prosecutors allege Telles' DNA was found under German's fingernails and say cut-up pieces of a straw hat found at Telles' home are similar to the straw hat a suspect captured in surveillance footage was seen wearing. Telles, who has pleaded not guilty, has seen his political career derailed and law license suspended amid the charges. His attorney states Telles is eager to tell his side of the story.

The trial's progress was delayed due to legal disputes over the disclosure of German's sources on his devices. Clark County District Judge Michelle Leavitt, who has denied previous dismissal requests, will address a final motion to dismiss the case. Jury selection may take several days, with testimony expected to span less than two weeks. Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X