During the trial, Telles' defense team has focused on a police detective who they claim inserted himself into the investigation and tried to dictate its direction. The detective, Derek Jappe, testified that he was called in to assist with Telles' arrest due to his expertise in crisis negotiations and his previous interactions with Telles during investigations of financial crimes.
Telles, who served as the county public administrator of unclaimed estates, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, alleging that he was framed and that the police mishandled the investigation.
Prosecutors argue that German's critical articles about Telles and a county office in turmoil provided a motive for the killing. They presented forensic evidence showing Telles' DNA beneath the victim's fingernails and security footage of a suspect driving a maroon SUV, similar to one seen at Telles' residence after German's death.
German's family members have attended the trial but have not made any public statements regarding the case.
The trial is ongoing, with prosecutors expected to continue presenting their case through Monday. Telles is anticipated to testify in his defense next week and could face life in prison if convicted, as prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.
Jeff German, the victim, was a colleague of Telles at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
