At the murder trial of former Las Vegas-area politician Robert Telles, prosecutors presented a surprise text message that challenged the defendant's alibi.
According to CBS News, Telles, accused of killing investigative reporter Jeff German, was confronted with a text from his wife asking his whereabouts at the time of the murder.
The revelation came during Telles' testimony on Thursday, August 22, 2024, as prosecutor Christopher Hamner questioned him about his activities on the day German was killed. Telles, who has maintained his innocence, claimed he was at home, went for a walk, and then to a gym, ignoring several messages during that time.
The text message, which read "Where are you?" was sent at 10:30 a.m. on September 2, 2022, coinciding with the time security footage showed a maroon SUV resembling Telles in German's neighborhood. The vehicle was driven by a person wearing an orange outfit and a large straw hat, items that prosecutors have linked to the crime scene.
Telles conceded that as the phone's owner, he could have deleted the message, but did not admit to doing so. The timing of the text and its absence from previously presented cell phone records has raised questions about the accuracy of Telles' account of his whereabouts on the day of the murder.
In an unusual move, Telles' attorney, Robert Draskovich, obtained permission from the judge for Telles to testify "by way of narration." This decision removed the typical question-and-answer format, allowing Telles to provide a stream-of-consciousness testimony that lasted for two and a half hours.
During his testimony, Telles claimed he had been "framed" for German's death by a political and social "old guard" real estate network resisting his efforts to combat corruption. He emphatically stated: "I am not the kind of person who would stab someone. I didn't kill Mr. German. And that's my testimony."
Telles' narrative approach to testimony has raised eyebrows in the legal community, with some speculating that it could indicate concerns from the defense about the content of Telles' statements.
The prosecution has presented several pieces of evidence linking Telles to the crime, including DNA found under German's fingernails and items discovered in Telles' home that match those worn by the person captured on security footage near the crime scene.
When questioned about these findings, Telles was unable to provide explanations for how his DNA ended up on the victim or how incriminating items were found in his possession. The absence of certain key pieces of evidence, such as the murder weapon and the orange work shirt, also remains unexplained.
As the trial nears its conclusion, both sides expect closing arguments to take place on Monday, August 26, 2024, two weeks after jury selection began. Telles is scheduled to return to the witness stand on Friday for further questioning by the prosecution and potentially another round of narrative testimony.
If convicted, Telles faces the possibility of life in prison. The case has garnered significant attention due to its connection to investigative journalism and local politics, with German having written several articles about Telles' leadership and alleged misconduct prior to his death.
In conclusion, the introduction of the surprise text message has added a new dimension to the trial of Robert Telles. As the proceedings draw to a close, the jury will have to weigh the evidence presented, including Telles' unconventional testimony, against the prosecution's case. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for both the defendant and the broader issues of press freedom and political accountability.
