Robert Telles, a former Democratic politician, was convicted of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German in Nevada. Telles faces 20 years to life in prison for the crime.
Bollywood Fever: A Nevada jury found former Democratic politician Robert Telles guilty of murder on Wednesday, sentencing him to 20 years to life in prison for the killing of investigative journalist Jeff German.
The verdict, delivered in Clark County District Court, concluded a case that highlighted the dangers faced by journalists exposing corruption and misconduct.
Telles, 47, showed visible emotion as the verdict was read, shaking his head and appearing near tears during character witness testimonies from his family members.
Despite the emotional courtroom scene, Telles did not speak at the time of sentencing but plans to appeal, according to his defense attorney, Robert Draskovich.
German, a respected journalist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was found dead outside his home during Labor Day weekend in 2022.
His death followed a series of critical articles he wrote about Telles’ conduct as the head of the Clark County office responsible for unclaimed estates and probate properties.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Telles harbored a deep resentment toward German, blaming him for the collapse of his career, the tarnishing of his reputation, and the strain on his marriage.
Evidence presented included DNA matching Telles found under German’s fingernails, surveillance footage showing Telles near the crime scene, and cut-up pieces of a straw hat and shoes found at Telles’ home, similar to those worn by the attacker.
Despite Telles’ claims of innocence and assertions that he was framed as part of a conspiracy, the jury found him guilty after nearly 12 hours of deliberation.
The judge, Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt, noted that the killing involved a deadly weapon and was premeditated, which could enhance Telles’ sentence to a minimum of 21 years and a maximum of 28 years.
German’s family expressed their devastation at the loss of their “loving brother and uncle,” while colleagues and fellow journalists emphasized the importance of holding those who target journalists accountable.
The Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement underscoring that the killing of journalists will not be tolerated, highlighting the significance of the guilty verdict.
German was the only journalist killed in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, which tracks violence against media workers. His death serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those committed to exposing the truth.
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