48 Hours “The Assassination of Jeff German” February 17 2024 Recap & Preview
In this episode of 48 Hours titled “The Assassination of Jeff German,” airing on February 17, 2024, viewers are taken on a gripping journey into the tragic death of renowned Las Vegas investigative reporter Jeff German. Peter Van Sant delves deep into the case, exploring the circumstances surrounding German’s shocking murder and the chilling questions it raises about the dangers of investigative journalism.
German, celebrated for his fearless reporting on notorious figures and criminal activities in Las Vegas, met a tragic end when he was ambushed and fatally stabbed outside his home in September 2022. As the Las Vegas Review-Journal staff raced to uncover the truth behind German’s murder, they unearthed a complex web of potential suspects, including Clark County public administrator Robert Telles.
Telles emerged as a key figure in German’s reporting, with the journalist uncovering allegations of a toxic workplace environment under Telles’ leadership. Four courageous women—Rita Reid, Aleisha Goodwin, Jessica Coleman, and Noraine Pagdanganan—came forward to expose Telles’ alleged harassment, bullying, and inappropriate conduct within the Clark County office.
Despite facing intimidation and threats, the women bravely shared their accounts with German, sparking a groundbreaking investigation into Telles’ actions. German’s reporting, which included compelling evidence such as secret recordings and surveillance footage, shed light on the dark underbelly of the Clark County administration.
However, just five days after German’s untimely death, Telles was arrested and charged with his murder. As Van Sant delves into the case, viewers are confronted with the harrowing realities of investigative journalism and the risks journalists like German face in their pursuit of truth and justice.
Tune in to 48 Hours on CBS to witness the riveting investigation into “The Assassination of Jeff German,” as Peter Van Sant uncovers the shocking truths and lingering mysteries surrounding this tragic case.
What Happened to Jeff German & Killer Robert Telles?
Jeffrey Michael German, born on August 23, 1953, was a respected American investigative journalist known for his work with the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Las Vegas Sun. His career spanned over four decades, during which he covered a wide range of topics including organized crime, government, politics, and courts. German’s investigative prowess led to groundbreaking stories, such as his coverage of the MGM Grand fire in 1980 and the FBI investigation into corruption among Clark County commissioners in the early 2000s.
In 2001, German authored the true crime book “Murder in Sin City: The Death of a Las Vegas Casino Boss,” which delved into the mysterious death of Ted Binion, heir to the Binion’s Horseshoe fortune. Additionally, he co-produced the podcast series “Mobbed Up: The Fight for Las Vegas” in collaboration with the Mob Museum.
Tragically, Jeffrey German’s life was cut short when he was found stabbed to death outside his Las Vegas Valley home on September 4, 2022. The police arrested Clark County public administrator Robert Telles on suspicion of German’s murder. Telles had been the subject of German’s investigations, particularly regarding allegations of workplace misconduct and an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. German’s murder shocked both the journalism community and the city of Las Vegas.
The investigation into German’s death uncovered compelling evidence linking Telles to the crime, including surveillance footage and DNA matches. Telles was subsequently charged with murder, a development that stunned many. German’s untimely death prompted widespread condemnation and sparked discussions about the protection of journalists worldwide. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay issued a press release denouncing the killing, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding journalists against violence and reprisals.
