Former public administrator Robert Telles has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of the murder of investigative journalist Jeff German in 2022. Telles, a former Democratic politician, laid in wait outside German’s home and stabbed him to death in a brutal attack. The court verdict of first-degree murder resulted in Telles receiving a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years in prison.
German had written critical articles about Telles and his department, exposing wrongdoing and leading to Telles losing his re-election bid. Telles denied the allegations but was unable to escape the DNA evidence found linking him to the crime. The jury heard how Telles drove to German’s home and carried out the deadly assault, leaving his DNA under German’s fingernails and matching a vehicle registered to his wife.
The conviction of Telles for the murder of Jeff German has been seen as a victory for justice and press freedom. Journalists and media workers, including those at the Las Vegas Review-Journal where German worked, have been significantly impacted by his loss. The Committee to Protect Journalists has highlighted the importance of holding those responsible for the killing of journalists accountable, as German was the only journalist murdered in the US in 2022.
The sentencing of Robert Telles to life in prison serves as a warning that attempts to silence or intimidate journalists will not be tolerated. It sends a clear message that those who target journalists will face consequences for their actions, ensuring that freedom of the press and the safety of media workers are protected.
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