But after a black State Representative led reporters on a detour to the Ditch, word of the conditions began to spread.
That led some lawyers and reporters to suspect the jury would reach a verdict quickly.
Whenever he wasn't working on the project, Nguyen would personally lead reporters through Laputa.
First he appeared at a jampacked news conference, then he led reporters on a tour of the farm.
Smith, however, led reporters to believe it is in the vicinity of the average of the $1 million per year he was seeking.
But the nature of sources available to the press has led reporters to tell the story largely from the perspective of American self-interest.
In the hours after the wreck, city officials led reporters on a tour of the destruction.
On Thursday, the militia led reporters on a tour of the area, where Hezbollah's headquarters are.
Is it improper to lead reporters to such information - on the record, off the record or even under the table?