USA: Justice Finally Served for the Murder of Journalist Jeff German

On September 3, 2022, journalist Jeff German was killed outside his Las Vegas home. Four days later, police arrested and charged Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles in connection with the murder. German, an investigative journalist, had extensively reported on official misconduct in Telles’s office, which many observers say contributed to his eventual loss in his reelection campaign.

Telles, who could be sentenced to life in prison without parole, pleaded not guilty, insisting he was framed for the crime. 

“In a world where the vast majority of crimes against journalists are met with impunity, we are grateful that justice has been delivered for Jeff German and that his killer will undoubtedly spend a very long time behind bars. German’s legacy will forever be his steadfast commitment to journalism and the stories he told about his city, Las Vegas.”

Clayton Weimers

Executive Director, RSF USA

The road to justice for German was uncertain and had experienced setbacks. While investigating Telles, law enforcement risked German’s confidential sources by seizing his electronic devices and newsgathering materials. RSF joined other press freedom groups in calling for the protection of these devices in order to preserve journalistic integrity. The episode underscores the importance of robust press shield laws as well as the need to educate law enforcement officials on how to proceed under the unique circumstances of investigating a crime against a journalist. The case was also delayed multiple times as Telles repeatedly changed lawyers and, at one point, represented himself.

The United States is ranked 55th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index.