The Nevada Supreme Court affirmed the posthumous privacy rights of slain reporter Jeff German, delivering a significant victory for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ sources.
The decision, handed down on Thursday, October 6, asserted that Nevada’s shield law, designed to safeguard journalists from revealing their sources, extends even after a journalist’s passing. This interpretation bars Las Vegas law enforcement and prosecutors from accessing German’s personal belongings, including his electronic devices.
Additionally, the court ruled that Nevada’s return of property law applies to the newspaper, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, as an “aggrieved party.” It countered arguments by authorities claiming that the newspaper had no rightful ownership claims.
The ruling also permitted the appointment of a third party to examine German’s materials as part of the ongoing police investigation into his tragic killing. Previously, a Clark County District judge had stated she lacked jurisdiction in this matter.
Legal representatives for the investigators argued that accessing the devices was crucial in gathering evidence for the case against Robert “Rob” Telles. Telles, a former Democratic elected county official, was apprehended five days after German’s untimely demise. Allegedly Telles waited outside German’s residence in September 2022, ultimately fatally stabbing him.
The motives behind the attack are linked to German’s investigative reporting on Telles’ tenure as public administrator. German’s articles revealed instances of bullying and a hostile work environment under Telles’ leadership, as well as an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.
Telles, now stripped of his elected position, has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder. He intends to represent himself and has a preliminary hearing scheduled later this month.
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