Preliminary hearing resumes Tuesday in Korey Kauffman murder case

Testimony is expected to resume Tuesday in a preliminary hearing for Modesto defense attorney Frank Carson and five others charged in the disappearance and slaying of Turlock resident Korey Kauffman.

The hearing, which has been on hiatus for two weeks, was scheduled to continue Monday. Judge Barbara Zuniga was feeling ill, so Monday’s testimony was cancelled.

Carson, a prominent Modesto defense attorney, is accused of recruiting a group of people to send a violent message to thieves repeatedly stealing antiques and scrap metal from his 5-acre property in Turlock.

Authorities say Kauffman, 26, was last seen alive on March 30, 2012, leaving Mike Cooley’s Lander Avenue home. Cooley’s home and Carson’s property on Ninth Street were separated by a fence.

At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, the judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial. The hearing is expected to continue into spring.

This story was originally published December 14, 2015 at 10:38 AM with the headline "Preliminary hearing resumes Tuesday in Korey Kauffman murder case."