Suspect in custody
A Las Vegas politician is in police custody, facing accusations that he murdered a local journalist. Police arrested Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles on the suspicion of murdering Las Vegas Review-Journal journalist Jeff German. The journalist was stabbed numerous times late on September 2 or early on September 3.
had written numerous stories about the politician
Prosecutors allege that Telles had been lying in wait at the home of the prominent investigative journalist who had written numerous stories about the politician. The articles reported various allegations of favoritism and bullying in Telles’ office, as well as an alleged affair the politician had.
The bank of evidence
The 45-year-old Telles has been charged with murder, as well as other enhancements. A criminal complaint details the murder as being “willful, deliberate, and premeditated.” The authorities quickly focused on Telles as a suspect as he had expressed anger publicly about German’s reporting. The journalist’s colleagues helped the authorities in their investigation. According to Las Vegas Police Captain Dori Koren, there were further pending articles in the works regarding Telles and his office.
Police have video footage of a suspect in the victim’s neighborhood on the night of his death, driving suspiciously through the area in a maroon or red GMC Denali. Detectives discovered a vehicle with the same description, registered to the politician’s wife, at Telles’ residence.
a DNA sample linked him to the murder scene
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators found a hat and shoes that were partially destroyed at Telles’ residence, items that matched what the suspect was wearing. Furthermore, a DNA sample linked him to the murder scene and ultimately led to his arrest. In response to the arrest, Las Vegas Review-Journal executive director Glenn Cook said: “We are relieved Telles is in custody and outraged that a colleague appears to have been killed for reporting on an elected official.”
An ongoing case
Telles’ office is the overseer of the estates of residents of Clark County who die with no legal next of kin. He ultimately lost his attempt at re-election during the summer, with the negative reporting about him potentially playing a role. Telles was still in office at the time of the murder. As a result of the ongoing investigation, he has been suspended from accessing county property and his office is closed until further notice.
Telles is being held without bail. In a short appearance in court on Tuesday, he was seen with bandages on his two arms as he had attempted to commit suicide before being taken into custody. His next court appearance is September 20.