Robert Telles could testify in Las Vegas murder trial – WATCH LIVE | Courts

The murder trial of a former elected official accused of killing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German is scheduled to continue Wednesday, with the defense calling more witnesses.

Robert Telles, 47, is on trial for murder with a deadly weapon of a victim 60 years of age or older. His defense attorney, Robert Draskovich, has said his client plans to take the stand and he plans to call Telles as a witness on Wednesday.

Prosecutors accuse Telles of killing German. The journalist had written articles about Telles' conduct as a former Clark County public administrator and accused him of creating a toxic work environment and maintaining an “inappropriate relationship” with a co-worker.

On Tuesday, District Judge Michelle Leavitt questioned Telles about his desire to testify and told him that he could not be compelled to testify and that any of his statements could be used by prosecutors during cross-examination.

“Do you realize that tomorrow, after you call the witnesses, the court will ask you if you have decided whether or not you will testify?” Leavitt asked him on Tuesday.

“Yes, Your Honor,” said Telles.

Prosecutors concluded their indictment on Monday after the jury heard 28 witnesses over four days. Draskovich called two witnesses on Tuesday before the jury was dismissed in the early afternoon.

Tuesday afternoon, prosecutors questioned several pieces of evidence that Draskovich planned to introduce later in the trial. Leavitt said she would reserve her decision on most of the evidence until it comes up during testimony.

Assistant District Attorney Christopher Hamner also cited a series of emails and pictures that the defense had proposed as evidence. He told the judge it appeared the pieces of evidence “would be used to prove that Mr. Telles was, in fact, a good public servant.”

Hamner said he wanted to let Telles know he would be cross-examined. Draskovich said he explained the “pitfalls” of the evidence to Telles.

Telles insisted that he had been framed for German's killing, and Draskovich's questioning and opening statements focused on portraying Telles as a public official who was trying to expose corruption within the administration.

Prosecutors' evidence against Telles includes his DNA, which was found under German's fingernails, and surveillance footage of the attacker's vehicle that matches the description of a car registered to Telles' wife. Cut-up pieces of a tennis shoe and a cut-up straw hat found in Telles' home also matched the description of the attacker's clothing, prosecutors said.

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

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