Jury selection is set to begin for Robert Telles, a former Las Vegas-area politician accused of murdering investigative journalist Jeff German.

Telles was arrested shortly after the killing, based on surveillance footage and a distinctive maroon SUV linked to him.

German was found slashed and stabbed outside his home over Labor Day weekend in 2022, marking him as the only journalist murdered in the U.S. that year.

Prosecutors claim to have strong evidence against Telles, including DNA found under German's fingernails and items linked to him.

Prosecutors allege that German's critical reporting on Telles and his office served as a motive for the murder.

Telles has pleaded not guilty to open murder, which carries a potential life sentence, and remains jailed during trial preparations.

The trial is expected to last less than two weeks, with jury selection anticipated to take several days due to significant media coverage.

A Clark County District Court Judge will consider a final request to dismiss the case before the trial commences.

Telles has previously filed complaints against police regarding his arrest and claims evidence was mishandled, but previous dismissal requests have been denied.

Telles has sought to prevent evidence related to a federal workplace discrimination lawsuit against him from being admitted in court.

The Committee to Protect Journalists emphasizes the rarity of journalist killings in the U.S., highlighting the importance of a safe environment for journalists.

Jeff German, a respected journalist with 44 years of experience, was known for exposing government corruption and other major issues in Las Vegas.