Home Podcasts The Trials of Frank Carson

The Trials of Frank Carson

Los Angeles Times 12 Episodes Oct 1, 2026

From Christopher Goffard, the Los Angeles Times reporter and host behind the hit podcasts “Dirty John” and “Detective Trapp,” comes a new eight-episode true crime podcast, “The Trials of Frank Carson.” It tells the story of Frank Carson, a controversial defense attorney in California’s Central Valley, who was charged with murder after a small-time thief disappeared. The case became one of the longest criminal trials in California history, exploring power, politics, and the law. The podcast is produced by the Los Angeles Times and Western Sound.

Episodes

Introducing: Call Sign Condor: Latino Soldiers Fighting in Ukraine Oct 1, 2026 00:04:14 Why would someone decide to risk their life for a country that is not their own? What might they be searching for? Call Sign Condor is a podcast about the thousands of Latin American soldiers who are fighting in Ukraine — for Ukraine. Through the stories of our protagonist, Condor, and his fellow soldiers, this four-part series takes us inside the lives of Latin American men and women who’ve been

Aftershow bonus 2 | A disappearance Jul 21, 2021 00:26:15 Our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to talk about how authorities linked the disappearance of Korey Kauffman to Frank Carson.This is a subscriber-exclusive bonus episode of “The Trials of Frank Carson.” Subscribe now to unlock all eight of these exclusive bonus episodes — and also enjoy our award-winning journalism and Unlimited Digital Access on our website, mobile a

Aftershow bonus 1 | The lawyer and the thief Jul 21, 2021 00:31:32 Our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to discuss the origins of The Trials of Frank Carson.

Verdicts | 8 Jun 29, 2021 00:51:45 The fates of Frank Carson and his co-defendants are decided, and jurors explain their reasoning. The DA’s office is sued for malicious prosecution, but prosecutors stand by their case. An interview with the state’s star witness, now out of lockup, raises troubling questions about the state’s handling of the case.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson,

Trial | 7 Jun 22, 2021 00:41:59 Defense attorneys offer alternate theories to explain Korey Kauffman’s death, and the trial becomes an endurance test. As Frank Carson’s health deteriorates, he wonders whether he will live to see a verdict. After more than a year in trial, defendants fear that the jury might give up, forcing a mistrial — and that this is exactly what the DA wants. If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective T

Prelim | 6 Jun 15, 2021 00:39:30 As a marathon preliminary hearing continues, the defendants face mounting pressure to climb aboard “the witness bus” and cut a deal. Frank Carson hits rock bottom, and offers his co-defendants a way out. The prosecution belatedly reveals a cache of undisclosed evidence — with major consequences.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L

Prisoners | 5 Jun 8, 2021 00:39:39 Frank Carson and his co-defendants confront the charges against them. The government cites years of Carson’s supposedly authority-hating behavior and his “behavioral control issues.” Interviews and wiretap recordings explore how Carson’s wife and stepdaughter, an art student, came to be wrapped up in the case. And former California Highway Patrol Officer Walter Wells endures jail.If you like podca

Mugshots | 4 Jun 1, 2021 00:37:31 After a three-year investigation, Frank Carson and his co-defendants are arrested, accused of a complicated murder-and-coverup conspiracy. Among the accused are three men who worked for the California Highway Patrol. How did an attorney famous for his distrust of local cops stand accused of conspiring with three of them?If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank

The incredible evolving story of Robert Woody | 3 May 27, 2021 00:45:47 The discovery of Korey Kauffman’s remains gives the investigation new impetus, and a man named Robert Woody offers a methamphetamine-fueled “confession.” Threatened with the death penalty, he cooperates — and becomes the government’s star witness. But his story changes again and again.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times.

A disappearance | 2 May 25, 2021 00:39:32 When a young scrap-metal thief named Korey Kauffman vanishes, local police do not immediately show great interest. Then a parolee named Big Mike Cooley tells a story that gets their attention: Kauffman was last seen venturing onto Frank Carson’s property to steal some pipes. Authorities confront Carson and work to build a case against him.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and T

The lawyer and the thief | 1 May 25, 2021 00:41:33 Introducing Frank Carson, Stanislaus County’s most controversial defense attorney, famous for his high-profile courtroom victories and take-no-prisoners style. A longtime nemesis of local law enforcement, he is representing homicide defendants in the very courthouse where he is on trial for murder himself. If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscr

Introducing The Trials of Frank Carson May 18, 2021 00:01:57 From Christopher Goffard, the Los Angeles Times reporter and host behind the hit podcasts Dirty John and Detective Trapp, comes a new eight-episode true crime podcast, The Trials of Frank Carson. The Trials of Frank Carson is a story of power, politics and the law in California’s Central Valley. Frank Carson was Stanislaus County’s most controversial defense attorney, a wizard with juries and a co

The Trials of Frank Carson

Episodes

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