Closing arguments expected in murder trial against Robert Telles for killing reporter | Courts

On Monday, attorneys will make closing arguments in the murder trial of former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles for the killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.

Testimony ended Friday after the prosecution called 28 witnesses and Telles' defense attorney Robert Draskovich called six witnesses, including Telles himself. Telles gave a narrative statement to the jury without interruption by his attorney before fielding questions from the prosecution on Thursday and Friday.

Prosecutors accuse Telles of “lying in wait” for German outside the journalist's home on Sept. 2, 2022, while wearing a large straw hat and an orange safety vest. Neighborhood video surveillance captured an image from a distance showing the attacker confronting German on the side of the journalist's home. Prosecutors said Telles killed German because of articles the journalist had written about Telles' conduct as Clark County's public administrator.

Prosecutors' evidence against Telles included his own DNA, found under German's fingernails, as well as surveillance footage and items found in his home that matched the attacker's clothing. Detectives have testified that Telles' phone contained downloaded Google Maps images of German's home and his work computer contained information about German's car and address.

Draskovich tried to paint a picture of Telles as a civil servant who wanted to expose corruption within the state administration.

Telles told the jury he has dealt with independent executors in probate cases involving the property of people who died in Clark County. He claimed the homes were being sold for profit, with no benefit to the families of the deceased, and he was “fighting” with Compass Realty & Management over the sales.

“Someone pinned this on me, and I believe it was Compass Realty,” Telles said. “And I believe it's for the work I did against them.”

The company described its accusation as “unconscionable and irresponsible.”

Metropolitan Police Department Detective Derek Jappe testified last week that he investigated both the bribery scheme reported by Telles and allegations that Telles himself received bribes.

Jappe said he found no evidence that Telles received any bribes, and the Clark County District Attorney's Office concluded there was insufficient evidence to prosecute in the alleged scheme reported by Telles.

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

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