For paid subscribers: the moments before, during, and after Thursday's hearing that didn't make the main article- in photos.

"I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity.

This story is a 'Shay Original', which is available to paid subscribers only. At the bottom of this page, subscribers will find an audio episode walking through the entire day. Plus- the full court breakdown. Enjoy!

The hearing itself lasted about three minutes. I was at the Nelson County courthouse for closer to 90 minutes, and as is so often true in this case, the story was in everything happening around the courtroom, not just in it.

You've read the main article. Here's the morning as I actually experienced it.

The arrivals

After checking court documents yesterday, I knew the name of the attorney who had filed on behalf of Nick Houck and after a quick Google search I knew what he looked like, too. When I saw him walking into the courthouse, I stopped him and introduced myself. He was cordial but wasn't especially interested in talking to me.

I asked him what he was expecting today in the proceeding, and he said, "we'll see". I also asked him if he planned to make any statements to the media after court on behalf of his client and he said "I hope not." This isn't completely unusual for a defense attorney- oftentimes they aren't interested in talking to the media until a case is done (and usually on then if they won).

Mr. Ferguson was the first person to arrive in connection to this case.