Testimony expected to continue in Korey Kauffman murder case

A preliminary hearing in a high-profile murder case will return from a three-week hiatus Wednesday morning. Frank Carson and five others are charged in the disappearance and slaying of Turlock resident Korey Kauffman.

The hearing initially was expected to continue Tuesday but was postponed until Wednesday in Stanislaus Superior Court.

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 lengthy preliminary hearing, which began in mid-October, the judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the defendants to stand trial.

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Testimony expected to continue in Korey Kauffman murder case."