Testimony continues in Robert Telles trial in Las Vegas – WATCH LIVE | Courts

Testimony will continue Wednesday in the murder trial of a former elected official accused of killing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.

Prosecutors accuse 47-year-old Robert Telles of stabbing and killing 69-year-old German on September 2, 2022, because of articles the journalist had written about Telles' conduct as Clark County public administrator.

On Wednesday, former Metropolitan Police Department detective Cliff Mogg gave jurors an insight into the details of the murder investigation, explaining how he tracked the movements of the suspect's maroon Yukon Denali using surveillance footage from businesses and homes near the crime scene and Telles' home.

Mogg was one of eight witnesses questioned after opening statements from both sides on Wednesday. The trial is expected to resume at 11am on Thursday.

Telles is accused of “ambushing” a German man outside the reporter’s home in the 7200 block of Bronze Circle on September 2, 2022.

In her opening statements, Assistant District Attorney Pamela Weckerly told jurors that before the murder, Telles downloaded pictures of German's house from Google and searched for information about German's car.

Telles insists he was framed for German's murder. Prosecutors point to “overwhelming” evidence against Telles, including his DNA found under German's fingernails.

Defense attorney Robert Draskovich focused on Telles as an official seeking to expose corruption in his office. Draskovich tried to sow doubt that Telles killed German, saying that cellphone records did not place Telles at the reporter's home on the day of his murder and that “loss of a job is not a motive for murder.”

Mogg suspected that Telles' phone was in his house on the morning of German's murder.

A neighbor's video surveillance showed German confronting someone on the side of the house. The video, taken from across the street, showed a distant image of German apparently struggling with the person.

Prosecutors have said they expect to call about 20 witnesses; Draskovich has said he will call 12 witnesses.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

Contact Katelyn Newberg at [email protected] or 702-383-0240.