LAS VEGAS — Former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles took the witness stand for the third day in a row on Friday in his own murder trial over the killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German.

Telles, 47, faced cross examination on Thursday, after testifying to the jury by way of narration, without being interrupted by questions from his defense attorney.

On Friday, Telles addressed the jury again during the re-direct phase of testimony and then answered questions from prosecutors. Prosecutors also called rebuttal witnesses before they are expected to start closing arguments.

Veteran lawyers said that testimony by way of narration is an unusual move for defendants.

Telles’ statement to the jury on Friday again focused on his theory he was framed for German’s murder by Compass Realty & Management, over an alleged housing kickback scheme he reported to authorities.

“I am not crazy,” Telles said. “I am not trying to avoid responsibility.”

He continued on to tell the jury that he is innocent, and that he’s “not the kind of person who could brutally murder another man.”

Compass Realty has previously called Telles’ accusation “unconscionable and irresponsible” in a statement to the Review-Journal.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner was able to ask follow-up questions of Telles. At one point, Telles brought up Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson’s campaign records involving Compass Realty. Hamner asked if Wolfson was “in on the conspiracy.” Telles said he can’t “rule it out.”

“At the end of the day, you’re just a victim in this whole thing, is that correct?” Hamner asked as his last question.

“Yes,” Telles said.

Detectives have previously testified that surveillance footage captured the assailant’s maroon GMC Yukon Denali leaving Telles’ neighborhood, driving in German’s neighborhood, and then heading back towards Telles’ home after German was killed.

Metropolitan Police Department detective Justine Gatus testified Friday that surveillance footage also showed a BMW, which she said matches another car in Telles’ driveway, driving towards a nearby gym.

Telles has said he checked in to a Planet Fitness gym near his home less than an hour after German was killed.

Prosecutors have accused Telles of fatally stabbing German, 69, on Sept. 2, 2022, over articles the journalist had written about Telles’ conduct as an elected official, including allegations he created a hostile work environment and had an “inappropriate” relationship with a staffer.

Hamner questioned Telles for over two hours on Thursday during cross-examination. He peppered Telles with a series of rapid-fire questions, as Telles continued to maintain he was framed for German’s killing.

Telles claimed that evidence was planted on his phone and in his house. He said police officers may have manipulated evidence, and he said he did not know how his own DNA got underneath German’s fingernails.

Hamner also questioned Telles about a message found on his wife’s Apple watch, when she asked him “Where are you?” the morning the German was killed. The message was not found on Telles’ phone.

Telles also admitted lying in an interview with German, about the nature of Telles’ relationship with his employee, Roberta Lee-Kennett.

“We had a romantic affair with each other,” Telles said.

Telles’ narrative testimony to the jury has focused on an alleged housing kickback scheme he reported to authorities.

Metropolitan Police Department detective Derek Jappe testified last week that he investigated both the kickback scheme reported by Telles, and accusations that Telles himself was receiving kickbacks.

Jappe said he found no evidence that Telles received kickbacks, and the Clark County district attorney’s office determined there was not enough evidence for a prosecution in the alleged scheme Telles reported.

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