A jury is set to hear closing arguments in the trial of former Las Vegas-area Democratic politician Robert Telles, who is accused of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German. Telles has maintained his innocence, claiming the evidence linking him to the killing is tainted, planted, or part of a conspiracy against him. German was killed after writing articles about Telles’ office in turmoil, including allegations of a romantic relationship with a female employee.
Telles, an attorney, faces life in prison if found guilty. Throughout the trial, he denied any involvement in the murder, pointing fingers at various individuals and entities involved in what he believes is a conspiracy against him. Key testimony focused on Telles’ whereabouts at the time of the murder, with prosecutors presenting evidence linking his DNA to the crime scene.
The trial has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the case, with German being the only journalist killed in the U.S. in 2022. Jurors were shown video evidence of a maroon SUV similar to Telles’ family vehicle in German’s neighborhood at the time of the murder, along with DNA evidence found beneath German’s fingernails.
Telles expressed horror at the brutal nature of German’s murder but maintained his innocence, claiming he is not capable of such violence. The trial has involved multiple witnesses, including forensic analysts and psychologists, who presented evidence related to the case. The jury will ultimately determine Telles’ fate, with the prosecution and defense making closing arguments before a verdict is reached.
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