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The story of Jeff German was featured on Investigation Discovery's 48 Hours. On February 17, 2024, the show aired the episode titled The Assassination of Jeff German, which revisited the chilling murder of Jeff German, who was a fearless Las Vegas investigative reporter.
Jeff German, who was a popular figure in investigative journalism in Las Vegas, was tragically killed outside his home on September 4, 2022. According to the episode, he was known for his unyielding reporting on crime and corruption and he had spent over 40 years in the field, contributing majorly to public knowledge and safety.
German was committed to speaking nothing but the truth which eventually made him a target and his demise shows the ongoing risks journalists face, especially when their work challenges the status quo.
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Jeff German's connection with Telles
Jeff German, a veteran journalist known for his incisive reporting on local corruption and crime, was fatally stabbed outside his home in Las Vegas on September 4, 2022.
As news of German's death spread, law enforcement quickly set their sights on Clark County public administrator Robert Telles, who was a figure German had recently scrutinized in his articles.
Germany's investigative reports had targeted Telles where all his detailed allegations of bullying, harassment and mismanagement within the Clark County office. The reports showed the true colors of the work environment Telles oversaw and included testimony from several employees who had experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior.
The tension between Telles and German escalated with each publication, which resulted in German's exposé that featured accusations of an illicit relationship between Telles and a subordinate.
How Telles was arrested for German's murder
Detectives canvassed the area around his home and gathered surveillance footage from neighboring properties after German was murdered. The video evidence that surfaced was crucial because it captured a man resembling Telles who could be seen near German's residence on the morning of the murder.
The footage became a linchpin in the case, which suggested that Telles had a direct role in the events leading to German's death.
Further bolstering the case against Telles was the forensic evidence. DNA samples taken from the crime scene, specifically from under German's fingernails and on discarded clothing near the scene, matched Telles. The DNA match was a crucial breakthrough because it linked Telles circumstantially and physically to the murder.
In the days following the murder, police also discovered that Telles had purchased a distinctive straw hat and a white SUV, both of which were seen in the surveillance footage near German's home. And these items were traced back to Telles through credit card receipts and store surveillance.
With the evidence, Telles was arrested on September 9, 2022, which sent ripples through the community, pointing out the dangers journalists like Jeff German face, especially when their work challenges influential figures. The case against Telles was clear-cut, with the combination of digital, forensic and testimonial evidence painted a damning picture.
During the trial, the prosecution laid out a timeline of Telles' movements, which was head-to-toe supported by digital evidence and witness statements. They portrayed Telles as someone who had become increasingly agitated by German's reports and feared a major career ruin.
The courtroom proceedings were quite tense and the defense argued that the evidence was circumstantial which pointed to the lack of direct witnesses to the murder. But the overwhelming forensic evidence, especially the DNA match, was difficult to counter.
The trial was a focal point for discussions on the safety of journalists, with advocacy groups and international observers closely monitoring the proceedings.
Robert Telles was found guilty of the murder of Jeff German in the end.
