August 29th 2024.
A former Nevada politician, Robert Telles, has been sentenced to life in prison by a US jury for the fatal stabbing of investigative reporter Jeff German in Las Vegas. Telles, who is 47 years old, used to hold the position of Clark County public administrator and was convicted of the murder in September 2022. The trial brought attention to the safety concerns for journalists and the jury found Telles guilty of a "willful, deliberate and premeditated" murder that was carried out by "lying in wait." As the verdict was read, Telles shook his head in disbelief.
Telles was facing three possible sentences, with the minimum being 50 years in prison and the maximum being life without parole. During the penalty phase on Wednesday, German's siblings spoke about their brother and the impact his death had on their lives. Jay German, one of Jeff's siblings, described him as the big brother that they all leaned on and how his loss devastated their family. Telles' mother also testified, asking the jury for mercy so that her son could have a chance at parole and be a part of his children's lives.
The executive editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Glenn Cook, released a statement praising the verdict and calling it a "measure of justice" not only for Jeff German, but for all journalists who have lost their lives while reporting. German's work often held elected officials accountable for their actions and empowered voters to make informed decisions. Cook also acknowledged the dangers that journalists face in their line of work and expressed gratitude towards the police and prosecutors for their hard work.
District Attorney Steve Wolfson emphasized that the verdict sends a strong message that attempts to silence or intimidate journalists will not be tolerated. The trial took place in Clark County, almost two years after German's killing shed light on the issue of violence against journalists in the US. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, there have been 14 journalists killed in the US since 1992.
Jeff German, who was 69 years old, was known for his coverage of the darker side of Las Vegas and had written about mobsters, corrupt officials, and government agencies. However, it was his reporting on the Clark County Public Administrator's office that ultimately led to his murder. German's articles exposed allegations of wrongdoing and unethical behavior by Telles, leading to his defeat in the 2022 Democratic primary.
Prosecutors argued that Telles killed German out of anger for his articles and fear of another upcoming piece. Telles allegedly wore a disguise, including a large sun hat, and waited outside German's home before fatally stabbing him. The prosecution presented video and physical evidence, as well as DNA found under German's fingernails, to tie Telles to the crime. In their rebuttal arguments, the prosecution stated that Telles murdered German because his writing had destroyed his career, reputation, and marriage, and he was not done writing yet.
Overall, the verdict brought a sense of closure and justice for Jeff German's family and friends, who continue to mourn his loss. It also serves as a reminder of the risks and dangers that journalists face in their pursuit of truth and holding those in power accountable.
A former Nevada politician, Robert Telles, was recently sentenced by a US jury to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of investigative reporter Jeff German in Las Vegas. Telles, who is 47 years old and was previously the Clark County public administrator, was found guilty after a trial that brought attention to the safety of journalists.
The jury determined that Telles' actions were "willful, deliberate, and premeditated" and that he had "lied in wait" for German. As the verdict was read, Telles shook his head in disbelief. He faced a range of possible sentences, with the minimum being 50 years in prison and the maximum being life without parole.
During the penalty phase of the trial, German's siblings spoke about their brother and the impact of his death on their lives. Jay German, one of Jeff's siblings, described him as a beloved big brother that they all leaned on. Telles' mother also testified, pleading for mercy and the chance for her son to one day be released on parole and be a part of his children's lives.
The executive editor of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Glenn Cook, released a statement praising the verdict as a "measure of justice" for German and for journalists everywhere who have lost their lives while reporting. Cook highlighted German's dedication to holding elected officials accountable and the important role of journalists in a functioning democracy.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson also emphasized the importance of protecting journalists and the freedom of the press, stating that any attempts to silence or intimidate them will not be tolerated.
The trial, which took place in Clark County, came nearly two years after German's murder and brought attention to the dangers faced by journalists, even in the US. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, there have been 14 journalists killed in the US since 1992.
German, who was 69 years old at the time of his death, was a veteran journalist who had covered many controversial and dangerous topics in his career. Prosecutors argued that it was his reporting on Telles and the Clark County Public Administrator's office that ultimately led to his murder. German's articles had exposed alleged wrongdoing and unethical behavior, ultimately leading to Telles' defeat in a Democratic primary election.
The prosecution presented strong evidence, including video footage and DNA evidence, linking Telles to the scene of the crime and the disguise he wore while carrying out the murder. Prosecutors argued that Telles was enraged by German's reporting and was afraid of what other damaging articles he might write in the future.
In rebuttal arguments, prosecutor Christopher Hamner stated that Telles had murdered German because his writing had destroyed Telles' career, reputation, and marriage, and had exposed secrets that Telles had wanted to keep hidden. Hamner concluded that Telles had killed German because he was not finished writing and exposing the truth.
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