Police Arrest Vegas-Area Elected Official in Reporter Death
SnopesNov 27, 2022
Jeff German Murder: Nevada County Official Arrested
Image copyright: AP [via The Wall Street Journal]
The Facts
Clark County, Nev. Public Administrator Robert Telles was arrested Wed. in connection with the fatal stabbing of journalist Jeff German, who'd been reporting on Telles extensively. German's body was found Saturday.
German, 69, wrote multiple stories for the Las Vegas Review-Journal about Telles' office, including articles about alleged bullying and an improper relationship between Telles and a staffer. Telles publicly accused German of writing smear pieces.
The Spin
Narrative A
This case is a sad statement on the level of respect for journalists. Telles had made several public threats against German, who expressed fears about his safety to colleagues. Now German is among at least 15 journalists killed in the US since 1992; more has to be done to protect those who carry out this valuable work for the public good.
Narrative B
This is an incredibly tragic case, and between German's reporting and Telles's letters and social media posts, tensions between the two had certainly reached a fever pitch. However, more details are needed before a final judgment can be made. More information will undoubtedly emerge about what led up to this horrific day in Clark County, and justice will hopefully be served.