Jeff German.Photo: K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty

Jeff German, host of Mobbed Up, with Planet Hollywood (formerly the Aladdin) on the Strip in Las Vegas Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

In the tough world of Las Vegas politics,Jeff Germanhad a reputation as an aggressive reporter who uncovered the truth, however difficult — and dangerous — it might be.

The 69-year-oldLas Vegas Review-Journalwriter navigated the city’s complicated inner workings for more than 30 years, fearlessly investigating wrongdoing.

“He wasn’t afraid to take on big issues in Las Vegas, his friend Thomas Pitaro tells PEOPLE in its latest issue. “He was like a pit bull. If he bit on a story, he didn’t let go of it until he got the whole damn thing.”

That dogged determination may have led to his murder.

On the morning of Sept. 3, German was found dead outside his three-bedroom ranch-style home, stabbed multiple times in what appeared to be a rage-filled attack. Just five days later, police arrestedClark County Public Administrator Robert Telles, who had denounced the reporter on social media after German penned a series of articles alleging professional misconduct on Telles' part, including an inappropriate relationship with a staffer.

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Robert Telles.Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department via Getty

In this handout provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles poses for a mugshot after being charged in the death of Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German. Police said German was stabbed to death outside his home on September 03, but his body was not found until the next day. German recently reported for months on the turmoil surrounding Telles' oversight of the office, and the administrator subsequently lost his re-election bid in June’s primary election.

For more on the shocking case of Jeff German’s death,subscribe now to PEOPLEor pick up this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday.

Telles faces one charge of open murder. He is being held without bond. He has not yet entered a plea and will appear in court on Sept. 20. His attorneys have not returned PEOPLE’s calls for comment.

While authorities build a case against Telles, those who knew German are hoping for justice.

“It’s surreal — I never saw it coming,” says Ozzie Fumo, a defense attorney and friend to both men. “If I would’ve thought in any way that [Telles] would’ve been capable of doing something like this, of course, I would’ve warned Jeff. It’s shocking. I guess I didn’t know Robert as well as I thought. I hope for peace for Jeff and his family.”

source: people.com