Robert Telles, a former Democratic politician, is on trial for murdering investigative journalist Jeff German. The case has drawn significant attention due to evidence linking Telles directly to the crime. German, a veteran reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was found dead outside his home in September 2022, shocking both the local community and the nation.

Prosecutors have presented evidence, including hundreds of photos of German’s home and neighborhood found on Telles' devices, as reported by Fox News.

Telles, 47, formerly the Clark County administrator of estates, had contentious interactions with German, who was 69 at the time of his murder. German's critical investigative articles about Telles contributed to the tension between them.

Evidence Links Telles To The Crime Scene

The prosecution presented damning evidence during the trial, including hundreds of photos on Telles' devices that showed German's home and neighborhood, taken in the weeks before his death.

One key piece of evidence was a photo from August 23, 2022, showing Telles searching for German's name, address, vehicle registration, and birthdate. Additionally, investigators found 132 Google Maps images related to German on Telles' devices.

A digital forensics expert testified that a photo displayed a security camera on German's home, suggesting that Telles had been surveilling the journalist. Prosecutor Christopher Hamner emphasized these findings during his questioning.

Defense Raises Questions About Digital Evidence

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Telles maintains his innocence and pleads not guilty. His defense suggests that someone might have planted evidence on his devices or hacked his phone. However, a digital forensics expert testified that while hacking is possible, he has never encountered such a case.

Defense attorney Robert Draskovich stated that Telles plans to testify, which is expected to highlight the trial, focusing on his innocence and claims of being framed.

The Investigation: From Arrest To Trial

Investigators began probing German's death immediately after they found his body outside his home over Labor Day weekend 2022. Authorities quickly focused on Telles, whom they identified through security footage showing a figure near German's home in an orange shirt and straw hat.

A search of Telles' home uncovered cut-up shoes with blood, which matched the footwear in the footage, and pieces of a straw hat similar to the suspect's. DNA samples from Telles also appeared under German's fingernails, suggesting a violent struggle.

Telles' Background And The Fallout

Telles, a lawyer since 2015 and elected Clark County administrator in 2018, saw his career collapse after his arrest, losing both his position and law license.

German’s articles from May and June 2022, which criticized Telles' conduct, fueled tensions between them. Telles publicly accused German of misrepresentation.

If convicted, Telles will face life in prison, though prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty. The trial continues with Telles expected to testify, marking a pivotal moment for the jury’s deliberation.

Conclusion: A Case Of Murder Or A Frame-Up?

As the trial progresses, the jury will weigh evidence from both sides. Photographic proof, internet searches, and DNA suggest Telles' involvement, but his defense will argue these don't conclusively prove guilt and raise the possibility of a frame-up.

The trial’s outcome will determine Telles' fate and mark a pivotal moment for politics, media, and justice in Las Vegas.