The courthouse in Cedar Point City felt colder than it looked from the outside, as if the building itself absorbed temperature from everyone who entered and kept it for later use. Every corridor carried a quiet tension that never fully disappeared, even when conversations tried to sound normal.
Inside the main courtroom, the atmosphere was controlled but dense, shaped by years of cases that had left invisible traces in the walls. I sat near the front row as part of the witness structure, while federal agents and legal teams arranged themselves with precise discipline.
The defense table was occupied by Evan Laskin and Tessa Laskin, both restrained in expression more than in posture. Evan kept his gaze forward without engaging the room, while Tessa occasionally glanced down at her hands as if counting time in silence.
The judge entered and the session began without delay.
Lead prosecutor Marissa Caldwell stood first and addressed the court in a measured tone.