Vegas Politician Claims He's Being Framed for Murder: Jury-GUILTY
1Digest
This episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" delves into the murder trial of Robert Tellus, who was found guilty of killing journalist Jeff German. The podcast begins with an introduction to the show and a promotion for "Crime Alert Hourly Update," a companion podcast providing real-time crime news updates. The episode then focuses on the Robert Tellus murder trial, discussing the verdict, Tellus's rambling testimony, and the discovery of DNA evidence. The investigation into Jeff German's murder is explored, highlighting the suspect's unusual attire, including a straw hat and bright orange vest, and its potential connection to a series of burglaries in the area. The podcast further examines the suspect's outlandish outfit and its potential connection to burglaries, with experts weighing in on the suspect's motives and the unusual nature of the crime. Details about Robert Tellus's alleged bullying and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, which were the subject of Jeff German's investigative reporting, are revealed, including a video of Tellus and the staffer in a car. The episode also discusses Tellus's social media posts about Jeff German and his subsequent loss in the election. Experts analyze Tellus's behavior and the potential motives for the murder. The podcast highlights the DNA evidence found under Jeff German's fingernails, which directly linked Tellus to the crime. The episode concludes with the announcement of Tellus's guilty verdict and discussions about the motive and justice for German.
Outlines
The Murder of Jeff German: A Crime Story
This episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" investigates the murder of journalist Jeff German, focusing on the trial of Robert Tellus, the suspect's unusual attire, and potential motives for the crime.
Robert Tellus's Guilty Verdict and the Evidence
The podcast discusses the verdict in the Robert Tellus murder trial, where he was found guilty of murdering journalist Jeff German. The trial involved Tellus's rambling testimony and the discovery of DNA evidence.
The Investigation and the Suspect's Outlandish Outfit
The podcast delves into the investigation of Jeff German's murder, focusing on the suspect's unusual attire, including a straw hat and bright orange vest. The investigation explores potential connections to a series of burglaries in the area.
Tellus's Alleged Bullying, Affair, and Social Media Posts
The podcast reveals details about Robert Tellus's alleged bullying and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, which were the subject of Jeff German's investigative reporting. The podcast includes a video of Tellus and the staffer in a car and discusses Tellus's social media posts about Jeff German and his subsequent loss in the election.
DNA Evidence and Justice for Jeff German
The podcast highlights the DNA evidence found under Jeff German's fingernails, which directly linked Tellus to the crime. The podcast concludes with the announcement of Tellus's guilty verdict and discussions about the motive and justice for German.
Keywords
Crime Alert Hourly Update
A companion podcast to "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" that provides real-time crime news updates, covering breaking news, missing persons cases, and trial updates.
Robert Tellus
Former Clark County, Nevada public administrator who was found guilty of murdering journalist Jeff German. Tellus's trial involved a rambling testimony and DNA evidence.
Jeff German
Investigative journalist for the Las Vegas Review Journal who was murdered by Robert Tellus. German's reporting focused on Tellus's alleged bullying and inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
DNA Evidence
Crucial evidence in the Robert Tellus murder trial. DNA found under Jeff German's fingernails and on Tellus's shoes directly linked him to the crime.
Straw Hat and Orange Vest
The unusual attire worn by the suspect in Jeff German's murder. The suspect's outlandish outfit drew attention to himself and raised questions about his motives.
Burglary Connection
The potential connection between Jeff German's murder and a series of burglaries in the area. The suspect's attire and the nature of the crime led investigators to explore this possibility.
Toxic Work Environment
The alleged toxic work environment in Robert Tellus's public administrator's office, which was the subject of Jeff German's investigative reporting. Tellus was accused of bullying and favoritism.
Motive
The reason behind Robert Tellus's murder of Jeff German. While the state doesn't have to prove motive, the podcast explores potential motives, including Tellus's alleged affair, bullying, and loss in the election.
Q&A
What was the verdict in the Robert Tellus murder trial?
Robert Tellus was found guilty of murdering journalist Jeff German. The jury reached their verdict after three days of deliberation.
What was unusual about the suspect's attire in Jeff German's murder?
The suspect was wearing a straw hat and a bright orange vest, which is unusual attire for a burglar. This led investigators to explore potential connections to a series of burglaries in the area.
What was the nature of Jeff German's investigative reporting on Robert Tellus?
Jeff German's reporting focused on Tellus's alleged bullying and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. The reporting included a video of Tellus and the staffer in a car.
What was the significance of the DNA evidence found in the case?
DNA found under Jeff German's fingernails and on Tellus's shoes directly linked him to the crime. This evidence was crucial in securing the guilty verdict.
What were some of the potential motives for Robert Tellus's murder of Jeff German?
Potential motives include Tellus's alleged affair, bullying, and loss in the election. The podcast explores these possibilities and the impact of German's reporting on Tellus's life.
Show Notes
Jeff German, an investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was found dead outside his home.
Days later, police released surveillance footage of a potential suspect wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat, an orange safety shirt, and black pants, seen walking near the scene. Further investigation revealed that German’s reporting had placed him in conflict with elected Public Administrator Robert Telles.
Earlier, German had reported that Telles created a toxic work environment and was having an extramarital affair with an employee. These allegations seemingly contributed to Telles losing his re-election bid. Investigators searched Telles’ home, towing a red SUV and discovering shoes with apparent blood on them. A straw hat matching the one in the video was also found.
Both items had been cut up in an attempt to destroy evidence, but DNA under German’s fingernails provided police with crucial evidence. Telles was arrested for German’s murder and has now been convicted.
Joining Nancy Grace Today:
- Matthew Mangino – Attorney, Former District Attorney (Lawrence County); Author: “The Executioner’s Toll: The Crimes, Arrests, Trials, Appeals, Last Meals, Final Words and Executions of 46 Persons in the United States;” Twitter: @MatthewTMangino
- Caryn L. Stark – Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych/FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice
- Lisa M. Dadio – Former Police Lieutenant, New Haven Police Department; Senior Lecturer & Director of the Center for Advanced Policing University of New Haven’s Forensic Science Department
- Dr. Michelle DuPre – Forensic Pathologist and former Medical Examiner, Author: “Homicide Investigation Field Guide” & “Investigating Child Abuse Field Guide”, Ret. Police Detective Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
- Vanessa Murphy – Investigative Reporter, KLAS-TV; Instagram: @vanessareporting; X: @Vanessa_Murphy; Facebook: “VanessaMurphyInvestigates”
- r. Kristen Mittelman – Chief Development Officer, Othram Inc.; X: @OthramTech
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Table of contents
United States
