In Las Vegas, the trial of former Democratic politician Robert Telles, accused of killing investigative journalist Jeff German, is nearing its end. Telles adamantly denies the charges, claiming the evidence linking him to the crime is tainted, planted, or incorrect. He asserts that he is innocent and a victim of a large-scale conspiracy against him. Telles, an attorney who previously practiced civil law, faces the possibility of life in prison if found guilty.

German, a well-respected journalist who wrote articles critical of Telles, was murdered after publishing pieces exposing alleged misconduct during Telles’ leadership. Telles, who admitted to a romantic relationship with a colleague as reported by German, expressed dissatisfaction with the journalist’s work and criticized him and the Las Vegas Review-Journal on social media. Throughout the trial, Telles accused various individuals of framing him for the killing as retaliation for his efforts to combat corruption within the county office he oversaw.

During his testimony, Telles maintained that he could not have committed such a violent act and questioned the involvement of multiple parties in a conspiracy against him. The prosecution presented evidence suggesting Telles’ presence near the crime scene and DNA linking him to German’s murder. The trial also featured testimony from forensic experts and witnesses, including analysis of Telles’ digital communications and behavior following the incident.

Family members of the victim attended the proceedings but declined to comment publicly. The murder of German, the sole journalist killed in the U.S. in 2022 according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, drew significant attention. The trial included discussions of physical evidence found at Telles’ residence and witness statements implicating him in the crime. The jury will soon deliberate on Telles’ guilt or innocence, as the legal proceedings draw to a close.