John Chiv: Ferndale drama between two men, of course involving a woman resulted in Vincent Nelson being arrested; then Nelson made it worse by lying on the stand and being impeached by his own words by "hotshot" Deputy DA Trent Timm

Jun 5, 2026

Ferndale drama between two men, of course involving a woman resulted in Vincent Nelson being arrested; then Nelson made it worse by lying on the stand and being impeached by his own words by "hotshot" Deputy DA Trent Timm

Attempted murder and assault suspect Vincent Nelson had his preliminary hearing on 6/2 in that 2026. Alleged victim in attempted murder case is Christopher Scott Thomson II.

When I showed up for his preliminary hearing, I recognized his mother who is a former Humboldt Superior Court Clerk. His aunt was also there for the preliminary hearing. Nelson has a 2026 DUI case trailing.

My knowing who his mother is will not change how I cover his court cases. I have reported on other Humboldt cases involving court staff.

Nelson has 25 search results in Humboldt Superior Court. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran was correct in remanding Nelson. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel granted him supervised release two days later.

The preliminary hearing in the attempted murder case started on 6/2 and continued on 6/3. I have included court minutes for both days. It looked like almost all of Ferndale Police Department was in court on 6/2.

The preliminary hearing was before Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is in trial so Deputy DA Trent Timm stepped in to handle the preliminary hearing. Mr. Ken Bareilles is Nelson's attorney.

Nelson met a woman on Facebook. He had never met her in person. She came over to his house in Ferndale and brought other people including alleged victim Thomson . People got drunk. Words were exchanged about women. Drama. Misunderstanding. Who threw the first punch? Where did the alleged incident take place? Most witnesses said Thomson initiated the incident. Thomson is a big guy. Nelson is lanky.

This is just a small portion of Mr. Bareilles' cross examination and Mr. Timm's re-direct of Ferndale Officer Cesar Cervantes.

"You saw the fight between Chris and Vincent,' Mr. Bareilles asked Officer Cervantes.

Officer Cervantes responded that he witnessed the incident but not the assault.

Mr. Bareilles said that Vincent told you, "I was getting beat up in my living room."

Officer Cervantes said, "Yes. Nelson said that to another officer."

Mr. Bareilles then stated a series of statements , barely giving Officer Cervantes a chance to respond.

"Vincent said, Chris is a big dude. He is hitting me in the head," Mr. Bareilles asked Officer Cervantes.

"Chris said, I love you dawg."

"Vincent said, 'I thought I was going to die.", Mr. Bareilles asked Officer Cervantes.

He responded, "yes."

Mr. Timm, on redirect, asked Officer Cervantes, "Mr. Nelson initially denied being involved in the article."

Officer Cervantes said, "Yes."

"The victim was stabbed, Mr. Nelson said he was asleep," said Mr. Timm.

Officer Cervantes, again confirmed that statement.

Mr. Timm referred to a statement by Tristan Thornton that Nelson got a knife and even after Thomson left; he followed him and "stabbed him in the head."

Officer Cervantes said, "I don't recall."

Most said Thomson started it but Nelson chose to take it to another level and outside. After Mr. Timm confronted Nelson with forensic evidence and testimony of other witnesses including his mom taking photos and that there was no blood in the house; only outside, Nelson's credibility was on line. When Mr. Timm asked him, where did the incident happen? Inside or outside? Nelson was flippant and said, "50/50."

Judge Cockrum held Nelson to answer but on a reduced charge for Count 1 attempted voluntary manslaughter. Nelson was held to answer to Count 2 and special allegations as charged. Nelson remains out of custody. He walked out of court with his mother and aunt.

"Hotshot" is a nickname Ryan Hurley gave Trent Timm based on my coverage when he first started and several successful wins fot the Humboldt County DA right after we started. I have covered many preliminary hearings and trials Mr. Timm has prosecuted and it was nice to get a chance to see him in action.

6/2/26 court minutes: