Hearing delayed in Kauffman murder case

There was no testimony Thursday in a preliminary hearing for Frank Carson and five others charged in the slaying of Turlock resident Korey Kauffman.

One of the defense attorneys in the case, Martha Carlton-Magaña, was feeling ill and was not able to attend the hearing Thursday. The hearing is expected to resume next week.

The prosecution believes Carson, a prominent criminal defense attorney in Modesto, led a conspiracy to thwart thieves from repeatedly stealing antiques and scrap metal from his property. He is accused of recruiting people to send a violent message, which led to Kauffman’s death.

Kauffman, 26, was last seen alive in late March 2012. In August 2013, Kauffman’s remains were found scattered in a remote area of the Stanislaus National Forest in Mariposa County.

The hearing to determine whether the defendants will stand trial is in its 10th month since starting in mid-October.

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 1:46 PM with the headline "Hearing delayed in Kauffman murder case."