Tensions Unveiled as Former Politician's Trial in Journalist's Death Continues

The trial of Robert Telles, a former Clark County public administrator accused of fatally stabbing investigative journalist Jeff German in 2022, entered its fifth day with critical evidence and testimony revealing the fraught relationship between the two men. On Thursday, prosecutors highlighted evidence found at Telles' home, which they believe ties him to the crime. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police detectives testified about the search that uncovered a hat and a pair of shoes matching those seen on the suspect in security footage on the day of German's murder. Notably, the shoes were partially destroyed, and the hat had been cut up, suggesting an attempt to conceal evidence. Defense attorney Robert Draskovich questioned the integrity of the evidence collection process, arguing that the search was poorly organized and potentially compromised by unauthorized access to key areas. He also scrutinized the amount of blood found at the crime scene, questioning the procedures followed by medical examiners. Friday’s proceedings opened with forensic scientist Anastasia Barton, who testified about her analysis of fingernail samples from German’s body, confirming they tested positive for blood. However, Barton noted that no DNA samples from Robert Telles were present during her examination. Draskovich’s cross-examination focused on whether the samples were handled properly to ensure their integrity. Forensic scientist Melanie Koljenovic then took the stand, confirming that blood was found on items recovered from Telles’ residence, including the shoes and the handle of a pair of scissors. However, pieces of the hat tested negative for blood. Draskovich pressed Koljenovic on the potential for false positives in blood tests, to which she acknowledged that substances like rust or animal blood could create misleading results. Forensic scientist Kimberly Dannenberger provided crucial testimony linking Telles to the crime scene through DNA evidence. She revealed that DNA samples from German's right-hand fingernail contained a mixture of profiles, including one that matched Telles. The prosecution used this evidence to further connect Telles to the murder, but the defense noted that Telles' DNA was not found on German’s clothing or in other critical areas, such as a duffel bag believed to have been used by the suspect. Testimony from Daniel Kulan, a former colleague of German, shed light on the public records requests that may have exacerbated tensions between Telles and German. Kulan recounted how German had requested communications between Telles and Roberta Lee-Kennett, an estate coordinator in Telles' office, weeks before the killing. Telles was reportedly notified of these requests, which were routine in German’s investigative work. Roberta Lee-Kennett provided gripping testimony about her interactions with Telles following German's death. She recalled receiving notification of the public information request regarding her communications with Telles but stated she wasn’t initially concerned. However, she was deeply shaken upon learning of German’s death over Labor Day weekend, saying, “That freaked me out.”   Text messages between Lee-Kennett and Telles, shown in court, revealed her growing alarm. In one message, she urged Telles, “Rob … wtf … please do not be driving your Yukon around for awhile [sic].” Telles responded, “Woah. That’s crazy.” When Lee-Kennett asked if his Yukon matched the suspect vehicle, Telles confirmed it was "similar if not the same." Despite her continued concerns, Telles maintained, “It’s fine. I didn’t do it,” but acknowledged that his vehicle closely resembled the one seen in connection with the crime.    The prosecution questioned Lee-Kennett about her installation of the Trillian app, which allows text messages to disappear. She confirmed that Telles had asked her to install the app. The court then took a recess before the defense’s cross-examination. Upon reconvening, Draskovich questioned Lee-Kennett about the turmoil in the public administrator’s office, focusing on changes Telles had implemented that disrupted existing practices, particularly concerning third-party vendors profiting from deceased individuals' properties. Lee-Kennett agreed that Telles had "upset the apple cart" by challenging these practices. When asked if she was concerned about the public records request filed by German, Lee-Kennett stated she worried primarily about vendors discovering the office’s dissatisfaction with them or that confidential information might be exposed. She also testified that she did not initially identify Telles as the suspect in the police video and did not recognize his gait. Moreover, she emphasized that Telles never admitted to being involved in German’s death. As the trial continues, more key witnesses are expected to testify, while the defense will likely keep challenging the evidence linking Telles to the crime. The trial, anticipated to last two weeks, is under intense public and media scrutiny as it unfolds. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? 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