Hearing delayed in Kauffman murder case

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

Judge Barbara Zuniga was feeling ill Tuesday and was not able to attend the hearing. Court officials say the hearing, in its 10th month, is expected to resume Wednesday.

The prosecution believes Carson, a prominent Modesto criminal defense attorney, led a conspiracy to stop 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.

The defense has argued that the case against Carson and his co-defendants is a malicious prosecution against a defense attorney who has been a staunch critic of the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office and successful in defending his clients in court.

The cross-examination of Robert Lee Woody is expected to continue this week in the preliminary hearing. Woody was the first person to be charged with murder in Kauffman’s slaying, but he has agreed to a plea deal in exchange for his testimony.

Woody has testified that he witnessed Kauffman’s killing and helped hide the 26-year-old man’s body. The defense calls Woody a liar, giving conflicting stories that includes one account in which he claimed sole responsibility for Kauffman’s death.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Hearing delayed in Kauffman murder case."