It all began July 13 2019 when Aaron Nichols and Brian Gould got into an argument. That turned into a vicious fist fight. Two men, also working in the hay field, separated the pair. Once off Gould, who was laying in the stubble, Nichols returned to the downed guy , kicked him some more, and then plucked the left eyeball from Gould's head.  That was July.
  Last month on Nov. 13, the arrest warrant was issued for Nichols. That criminal complaint is posted on the COMMUNICATOR ONLINE page. Even with his home address available, the well known Nichols, was not arrested for many days after the warrant had been issued.
  On Dec 11th, at 1pm, a preliminary hearing was called for Nichols. Here's our write up on home cookin in Clayberry West Virginia
  Shortly before the 1pm start time, a Braxton County Prosecutor was in the old Courthouse to handle the State's side of the case. Defense attorney Tom Smith strutted around mixing with  his client, the family, and friends of Nicholas.
  In the main hallway, Brian Gould sat beside the pop machine, looked pale, and mostly, sat their with his head down.
  Remember, the crime is not against Gould, it's really against the State of West Virginia. Gould is just the victim.
  Both attorneys huddled in a small room reserved for tele-video conferences. They stayed in there for at least 15 minutes.
  In came the Green Shirt First Sergeant. He spoke with Nicholas briefly.
  At 1pm. Magistrate Rider came into his office and then back out again.
  Aaron Nichols, his Father, family members came into the Rider Court and then back out.
  Magistrate Rider, 1:15pm, "Are they ready?"
  The correct answer was no.
  1:20p  Rider told the public to clear the Courtroom. In the room was left, the Magistrate and both attorneys. Aaron Nichols was not part of the closed door meeting. Instead, he and the family went back outside and  huddled there.
  For the next 20 minutes, the action was in the small Courtroom. Magistrate Assistant Lisa Murphy was in and out. When back in the room, she got on the phone. Shortly thereafter, reinforcements were called. In came Magistrate Assistant Vicky Gency (33 years experience).  In  and out, across the hallway and returning, several times. Finally Ms Murphy did the typing thang followed up with a return to the Court room.
  It was obvious, something was up, some kind of deal was being dealt.
  The Defense Suit did the running around thing speaking with Nichols.
  When asked, Magistrate Rider announced, there would not be a hearing, the case will be continued for 6 months, and after that period of time everything will be dismissed. Asst Murphy said there was some kind of waiver for the preliminary hearing too.
  2pm: Copies were made, signatures were affixed.
  It's about now you are thinking, now that's some home cooking!... Keep in mind, the victim had to agree to the deal.
  For all intent and purpose, if Aaron Nichols keeps his nose clean for 6 months, the charges, the case, will all be dismissed. He will be free of everything.
  Worked out quite nicely for the Nichols family.
AW