Day Three of Trial: Former Politician Robert Telles on Trial for Murder of Investigative Reporter

**Day Five of Trial: Former Politician Robert Telles on Trial for Murder of Investigative Reporter**

The murder trial of Robert Telles, a former Clark County public administrator accused of killing Jeff German, a well-known investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, continued on Friday, marking the fifth day of proceedings.

**Focus on Evidence from Telles' Residence**

Thursday’s session brought intense scrutiny on the evidence gathered from Telles' home. Prosecutors Chris Hamner and Pam Weckerly questioned detectives from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) who conducted the search. Key pieces of evidence included a hat matching the suspect’s description, which had been cut up, and a pair of shoes, one of which was partially destroyed. Both items closely matched those worn by the suspect on the day of the crime.

Defense attorney Robert Draskovich raised concerns about the integrity of the search, suggesting that it was poorly organized and may have allowed unauthorized individuals to access key areas where the evidence was found. He also questioned the medical examiners about the expected amount of blood present at the crime scene.

**Graphic Autopsy Photos Shown**

During the trial, graphic autopsy photos of Jeff German were shown to the jury. Telles, who was present in the courtroom, visibly grimaced as the images were displayed. The prosecution is expected to call more key witnesses as the trial continues, with Draskovich poised to continue his cross-examinations.

**Day Five Proceedings**

Court resumed on Friday morning with the prosecution calling Anastasia Barton, a forensic scientist with eight years of experience at the LVMPD. Barton discussed the procedures followed to prevent contamination when handling evidence. She confirmed that she had worked with fingernail samples from Jeff German, which tested positive for blood. However, she noted that no DNA samples from Robert Telles were present during her examination.

Defense attorney Draskovich cross-examined Barton, focusing on the handling and testing of the samples to challenge the reliability of the evidence.

Next, the prosecution called Melanie Koljenovic, another forensic scientist from the LVMPD, who has been with the department since January 2020. Koljenovic provided details on her examination of the evidence found at Telles' home, including the suspect’s shoes and hat. She confirmed that some swabs tested positive for blood, while others, including those taken from the hat, did not.

Under cross-examination, Draskovich questioned Koljenovic about the possibility of false positives in blood tests, which she acknowledged could occur due to factors like rust or animal blood.

**DNA Evidence and Cross-Examinations**

The prosecution’s next witness was Kimberly Dannenberger, a forensic scientist who has testified in 87 trials. Dannenberger detailed the process of generating DNA profiles and confirmed that Telles’ DNA matched a profile found under German’s fingernail, as well as on swabs from the shoes found at Telles’ residence.

After a brief recess, Draskovich cross-examined Dannenberger, questioning the potency of the DNA samples and whether Telles’ DNA was found on any of German’s clothing. Dannenberger confirmed it was not.

**Public Records and Testimonies from Witnesses**

The prosecution then called Daniel Kulan, who worked at the Clark County Communications Office around the time of German’s killing. Kulan explained the process of handling public records requests, including those made by German. He testified that Telles would have been notified of a July 13, 2022, request for communications between him and Roberta Lee-Kennett, an estate coordinator.

Next, Roberta Lee-Kennett, the estate coordinator referenced in Kulan’s testimony, took the stand. She described Telles’ actions in the public administrator’s office as divisive and mentioned that Telles had expressed hatred toward German. Lee-Kennett recounted a series of messages exchanged with Telles after German’s death, expressing concern that Telles’ vehicle resembled the one seen near the crime scene.

During cross-examination, Draskovich questioned Lee-Kennett about the shake-up at the public administrator’s office and her concerns about third-party vendors profiting from deceased individuals’ estates. Lee-Kennett admitted that Telles had tried to stop these practices, which had led to tensions within the office.

**Police Testimonies on Crime Scene and Investigation**

The court then heard from several law enforcement officers involved in the case. Patrol officer Anthony Mariscal, the first officer on the scene, described the discovery of German’s body. His body-worn camera footage was shown in court, leading to an emotional response from German’s loved ones present in the courtroom.

Sergeant Bradley Friess of the LVMPD testified about the crime scene, confirming that it was secured with no civilians present within the taped-off area. Detective Derek Jappe, who had investigated allegations of corruption made by Telles prior to German’s death, also took the stand. Jappe described his interactions with Telles and detailed how Telles had complained about German’s reporting.

Jappe further testified about the events of September 7, 2022, when Telles was found in his home, apparently in a distressed state. He recounted a two-hour conversation with Telles, who mentioned thinking about harming himself. The SWAT team eventually entered the home and apprehended Telles, who was then taken to an ambulance.

**Final Testimonies and Recess**

The day’s proceedings concluded with the testimony of Levi Hancock, an officer with the LVMPD’s SWAT team. Hancock detailed the SWAT operation at Telles’ residence, describing the use of robots and drones to locate Telles in his bathtub with a knife, seemingly intending to harm himself. Hancock’s body-worn camera footage was also shown in court.

After a brief cross-examination, the court adjourned for the weekend, with the trial scheduled to resume on Monday at 10:30 a.m.