Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Former Politician's Murder Trial Unfolds With Key Detective Testimony

Robert Telles talks to his attorneys Michael Horvath, left, and Robert Draskovich in the courtroom during a break in proceedings on the fourth day of his murder trial at the Regional Justice Center in

During the trial, Telles' defense team has focused on a police detective who they claim inserted himself into the investigation and tried to dictate its direction. The detective, Derek Jappe, testified that he was called in to assist with Telles' arrest due to his expertise in crisis negotiations and his previous interactions with Telles during investigations of financial crimes.

Telles, who served as the county public administrator of unclaimed estates, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, alleging that he was framed and that the police mishandled the investigation.

Prosecutors argue that German's critical articles about Telles and a county office in turmoil provided a motive for the killing. They presented forensic evidence showing Telles' DNA beneath the victim's fingernails and security footage of a suspect driving a maroon SUV, similar to one seen at Telles' residence after German's death.

Telles pleads not guilty, claims framing.
Defense focuses on detective's involvement.
Prosecutors cite motive from critical articles.
Forensic evidence implicates Telles.
Security footage links suspect to Telles' residence.
German's family attends trial.

German's family members have attended the trial but have not made any public statements regarding the case.

The trial is ongoing, with prosecutors expected to continue presenting their case through Monday. Telles is anticipated to testify in his defense next week and could face life in prison if convicted, as prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.

Jeff German, the victim, was a colleague of Telles at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.