LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty in the murder case against former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles who is accused of killing Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.
Telles, 45, pleaded not guilty on the murder charge and waived his right to a speedy trial during his arraignment hearing in Clark County District Court Wednesday morning. Last week he was indicted on a murder charge.
This is his first court appearance since he made the change from using a public defender to hiring private criminal defense attorney Ryan Helmick.
Telles is accused of “lying in wait” for German, 69, outside of his home. German was stabbed to death on Labor Day weekend. According to Telles’ arrest report, Telles’ DNA was found under German’s fingernails.
Police said Telles was upset over stories German had done on “turmoil” in the public administrator’s office including a possible relationship with a subordinate. Employees from the public administrator’s office showed up at the court hearing.
Telles’ next court date will be on Nov. 2.
