Politics can get dicey at times. But this goes far beyond anything acceptable.
Because a Democrat politician was just convicted for one brutal murder.
In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of political violence, a former Democrat public administrator in Clark County, Nevada, was found guilty on Wednesday of the cold-blooded murder of Jeff German, a veteran journalist with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, in September 2022.
After three days of intense deliberation, the jury delivered a guilty verdict against 47-year-old Robert Telles.
Telles, now convicted of brutally stabbing German to death, was driven by anger over a series of reports the journalist wrote exposing scandals within Telles’ office.
The reports played a significant role in Telles’ defeat in a primary election in June 2022, according to CNN.
German had dedicated years to uncovering corruption in Las Vegas politics, and his fearless reporting made him a target.
The story that ultimately cost him his life focused on the troubling activities within Telles’ little-known public office, as prosecutors pointed out during the trial.
In May 2022, German reported allegations from multiple employees who accused Telles of creating a “hostile work environment” and having an “inappropriate” relationship with a staffer.
These revelations significantly damaged Telles’ reputation, and he placed third in his primary election, partially blaming German’s reporting for his political downfall.
The trial brought chilling details to light.
Surveillance footage from outside German’s home showed a man, later identified as Telles, dressed in a large sunhat, orange jacket, and gray Nike sneakers, lurking in the bushes before ambushing and stabbing the reporter as he returned home.
The assailant fled in a maroon SUV, later linked to Telles. During a search of Telles’ property, police discovered the sunhat and sneakers, which had been cut up and hidden — an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Pamela Weckerly emphasized during closing arguments that Telles “was clearly incredibly upset that those articles were written and that it resulted in him losing that primary.”
Telles, in a desperate and outlandish defense, testified that his former colleagues, a real estate company, and police had hired an assassin to k*ll German and frame him.
Even his own attorney, Robert Draskovich, distanced himself from this wild theory, acknowledging, “It’s understandable why he believes this wide-reaching conspiracy. What other options does he have under these circumstances?”
The Las Vegas Review-Journal, where German was employed until his tragic death, released a statement following the verdict:
“Today a Clark County jury delivered a measure of justice for Jeff German, and we hope it brings some solace to his family, friends, and colleagues. Jeff was k*lled for doing the kind of work in which he took great pride: His reporting held an elected official accountable for bad behavior and empowered voters to choose someone else for the job.”
This case serves as a grim reminder that political violence is never justified, regardless of the circumstances.
The murder of Jeff German was not just an attack on one man but an assault on the free press and the democratic principles that hold our leaders accountable.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
