This was deeply personal for me. My 23 yr nephew was also framed by a DA after two people died in an accident when his friend’s motorcycle collided with a car and the DA chose to scapegoat him by charging him with double vehicular homicide and misc other offenses adding up to 36 years in prison, even though he was 1/4 mile behind his friend and not involved in anyway. Needless to say, he was acquitted by the jury in 45 minutes but they stole 4 1/2 years of his young life, my brother and his wife had to re-mortgage their house, not to mention the untold pain and stress they caused our family. And for what? To score cheap media points and further their own political career. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking this case on and bringing the truth about these all too common and devastating abuses of justice to light.

I was hooked from the first minute. I wanted the story to never stop and couldn’t wait to get to the end. As a defense attorney myself, this podcast has informed the way I will practice going forward. I hope this blows up the way Serial did so that I can question potential jurors about it.

To the reporter/narrator on a fantastic presentation on just how corrupt small minded people with power can get when their tiny little feelings get pushed in by a lawyer with full understanding in his responsibility to his unrelenting defense for his clients. God, What an eye opener…Hope the “Investigators” Do jail time for their abuses….

I listened to Dirty John and was so impressed with Chris Goffard’s work, I sought out his other podcasts. I knew they’d be equally great, but this literally blew me away. Every detail was impeccably researched and all involved were given the opportunity to be heard. This story was told with such care and empathy, I felt I really got to know the people and place. It’s breathtaking to consider the costs — both market to non-market - of these events. From losses of livelihoods and possessions to losses of time (for all, including the jurors), sense of self, and sense of security. Not the least is the loss of health and life. I was so moved for Frank I would have offered him a kidney myself. To all involved, my heart goes out to you. I’m glad you had Chris to so thoughtfully share your stories. And to the LA Times: I’m now a subscriber, even though I live on the east coast. Superb reporting needs to be supported. Thanks to all involved.

I am from Turlock, mere blocks from where some of these events took place. I have been following the case on and off over the years. It is good to have this all laid out. The case seemed nuts from the start, it just keep getting bigger and bigger. Now I know that we need a new DA in our county.

The “woody” episode was painful. You could have illustrated that he was coerced in 3-5 minutes. In general there is too much redundant info in this podcast.

Brilliantly written and presented story of unspeakable injustice carried out by people who remain in power and responsible for criminal prosecutions in Stanislaus County.

Great story telling, almost storybook cast of characters, one of my favorite podcasts of all-time!!

Great podcast

Criminal defense attorneys are NOT outlaw adjacent. How about the prosecutors that work with law enforcement to cover up evidence and intimidate witnesses into testifying so they can close a case and accuse some randomly plucked minority? I have several examples off the top of my head. This is a HUGE issue and feeds into systemic racism. The narrative you're spreading that some criminal defense attorneys are outlaw adjacent when the fact is that they are usually defending disadvantaged members of society is harmful. Don't put people in categories. It contributes to the discrimination issues that exist in this country and this system in places that everyone sees but nobody notices. I'm going to keep listening because the story is interesting but I will let my friends, family and acquaintances know that this podcast perpetrates many systemic issues and broadcasts ignorance.

This is one of the most disturbing case I’ve ever heard!! The prosecutor and investigators should serve time for this witch hunt!!

Frank Carson is like Matlock & Perry Mason combined. I would watch a movie about his life and even this messed up murder trail. Amazing podcast. Glad his story came out!

Thanks Christopher, beautifully narrated, honest, the best ever show I have ever listen to in 2021, a must for any one care about justice, greetings from Egypt 🇪🇬

Goddard is a brilliant investigative journalist. He tells the stories you otherwise would never hear, highlighting everyday people with all their struggles and triumphs. I was blown away by this case and how many lives were ripped apart on no evidence.

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one of the best true crime podcasts out there that shows how ludicrous the adversarial system can get. i felt like laughing when in ep 5 a phone call between a mom and daughter is used as evidence of murder... because the mother sarcastically joked about shooting a noisy neighbor to her crying yet remorseful daughter. such a silly and everyday moment that the police use as "damning evidence" of conspiracy -__- george orwell is doing olympic level backflips in his grave as we speak

I dont even know where to start!!! Every single person in that courthouse should be ashamed and embarrassed!!! And the ppl in that county keep reelecting her?! Im still in shock!!! And then to make matters worse in bonus 1 she has the gall to talk about being under funded, the crime, schooling etc and she just spents MILLIONS of dollars on this case that shouldve ended her career as well as others!!! That money could’ve benefited the county in all the ways she mentioned they have problems with!!! I can go on and on, this is just an example of the crappy justice system ppl are “sooooo proud of”!!! This stuff is happening way to much and nobody does anything about it, just sad…being a jerk doesnt mean u are a murderer, nor does it excuse the actions of this county…the low reviews myst have been listening to something else or they live/work there cause wow

Frank Carson is a clear narcissist anyone who believes a word that comes out of his mouth is an idiot. Was the states case garbage? Yes. However, did he do it? Probably. He’s scum. And his “woe is me” attitude isn’t fooling me.

Excellently researched and narrated. This podcast exposes a terrible miscarriage of justice and the world needs more of this kind of journalism.

I am very leery of stories told on podcasts as generally they are slanted. Therefore I took the time to do a plethora of research on Frank Carson and this story. Carson was a jerk and an extremely zealous defense attorney that challenged the judicial system. Frank was not a friend of the system, he was an enemy of the judicial system. Carson had no true desire for power in moving up to become a judge, which makes the best type of defense attorney. He fought tirelessly for his defendants. It’s a lowly profession, but a dire and necessary profession for the few that are truly innocent. The nefarious actions of the prosecution and its players should be held accountable. Too many prosecutors and judges crave power at all costs. Average and good people generally don’t aspire to achieve the type of power afforded to judges and prosecutors. It took me years to understand this. I get it… I totally understand how corruption is veiled behind conspiracy. Several innocent lives were truly destroyed. It’s crystal clear the collateral damage that was done to Frank’s innocent stepdaughter. All of the other innocent victims in this grotesque injustice have my attention. May you heal with time. May you know that I and many others are aware of your pain.

Honesty hour here - I definitely believe law enforcement and prosecutors can abuse their power, but concerted conspiracy claims always make me balk. Like, why would anyone do that? Well, now I’m a believer. I even went to look at the court documents because I thought maybe this reporting was biased, and if anything, it left out WORSE things for the prosecution! What sloppy, disgusting attempt at intimidating someone (and his profession, of course it didn’t escape their minds that they would intimidate other defense attorneys too) for short-lived revenge: the man was clearly sick and dying and would have been out of your hair in a few years! We all know every DA’s office is a plea deal farm, don’t insult our intelligence by whining that you decided to pursue a dying defense attorney (that you have had public feuds with!) on the word of ONE OF THE LAST PEOPLE WHO SAW THE VICTIM ALIVE. THAT’S ALSO COINCIDENTALLY AN ADDICT AND FULLY AWARE OF THE VENDETTAS HIS FRIEND ENGENDERED FROM ACTUAL DRUG DEALERS. Oh my god. If it was truly tunnel vision, that’s honestly WORSE because their ineptitude is just sky high at that point. I really wish law enforcement could actually have any sort of consequences. This is disgusting, so disgusting that I think the negative comments are coming from the police officers or people allied with them. There is no way a reasonable human being would see all the evidence objectively and decide he was at fault. And the worst part is their power trip on steroids probably won’t even result in the DA being recalled. I’m so mad I even gave them the benefit of the doubt for so long (ok the half a day i binged it). People like them are exactly why everyone in America thinks the justice system is filled with nothing but the scum of the earth. And now I’m joining their number! Thanks, Modesto law enforcement!

Excellent reporting on a nightmare of a tale. He really explained the legal points and exposed the dishonesty of the prosecution. The story drawn very well. True crime podcasts by topnotch reporters are the best. This one proves it.

I relatively new to podcasts, beginning 6 months into the Covid world. The very best so far!

I listen to a LOT of podcasts and I have to give this one all 5 stars! I literally started it in the morning and listened to it till I went to bed! I got so wrapped up in Carson…what a great and tragic story! Worth the listen!!!

Disappointed in how woefully biased it is. Could have been much more interesting. Frank Carson is an obvious complete narcissist so the host’s attempt to make him a sympathetic character falls flat.

This story is infuriating and so sad. Are those prosecutors for real? Are they unspeakably corrupt and heartless, or just insane? Excellent work here—thorough, deftly structured, restrained (almost to a fault) when confronting the bad guys with their own depravity. I hope there are consequences. LA Times podcasts are just the best.

Very solid podcast. Every American should listen to this case to see the level of corruption in “our” government.

Our legal system has the power to absolutely destroy lives. Prosecutors/Judges have little to no accountability. They can have agendas, biases just like everyone else. Another example of much needed change. Amazing account of how crazy some people view things. You listen thinking how is it possible for this to happen. Think of all in the injustices occurring. Absolutely mesmerizing. Great Podcadt!!!!

Best podcast I’ve listened to in a lonnng time! The People of Stanislaus County need to vote these people out! The prosecutors need to be held accountable! I’m truly disgusted! They killed Frank Carson.

I listen to too many podcasts. My favorites being the ones that cover the spooky paranormal tales and horrifying true crimes. However this one got to me more than any other. That said…. Give it a listen. I think it’s a very important story to hear and share with others until the ones responsible for this case are at least made (in)famous since the odds of them getting criminal charges are slim to none.

Who are all these losers complaining about ads on a free podcast. Pay the man if listening to ads makes you so butthurt. Press the 30 second skip like everyone else. Podcast is excellent, can’t wait for more.

This was an excellent podcast and great storytelling! I binged it all in one day! I cannot believe that a judge signed off on all those arrest warrants without any evidence except for several coerced confessions! The prosecution and detectives should be ashamed!

Hands down the best podcast ever.

Wild story, incredible story telling. All the previous podcasts the creator has put out are excellent, and so is this one!

Pretty interesting story. No political propaganda.

how does our legal system allow such abuses of power?

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This illustrates the power of the prosecutor & the downside to having stupid & vindictive people in office. Based on supposition, hatred for someone who continually beat them, dislike of his tactics, and groupthink, a prosecutor & her minions spent a fortune (including $400,000) on a cell tower “expert” whose final opinion was used by the defense, concocting a far-fetched story of a conspiracy between 9 people, many of whom had never met and some of whom would be natural enemies. The lack of evidence simply reinforced the prosecutor’s belief. If there were valid ethics complaints that could have been made against Mr Carson, they should have been filed with the bar association, not used as a basis for a baseless murder charge.

Excellent podcast! A clear case of the government seeking revenge using their positions to settle a personal score. Frank was a jerk and at some point he needed a little karma- but not this way. Please tell me there is a federal investigation of the prosecutors office (especially the lead prosecutor, investigator and judge)! If not……. How do we get that started?

I was shocked but not shocked by the contents of the story. What a misuse of prosecutor, police & criminal justice resources. SUCH an interesting story, very very well presented. Recommend highly.

The story of the criminal government agents that killed Frank Carson deserves a better podcast than this. Putting aside the annoying commercials, the reporting and organization is underwhelming. I’d only listen to this podcast to learn of the tragic story. The story makes it worth a listen. But the reporting is mediocre.

I’m enjoying this podcast so much!!! Very well done!

This podcast is really well done from research to audio and will interest anyone concerned about an imbalance of power in the justice system. As Frank pointed out, there are almost no cases like this because very few defendants have the skills and perseverance to take on the government. I hope this podcast will do post- mortem(s) as appropriate - has anyone filed complaints with the bar about the DA? What is the status of the civil case? How will this case be used in the next DA election? Frank is no longer here to see these issues through so I hope this reporting team will. Prosecutorial misconduct like this should not go unpunished.

Incredible, horrifying story of the mismanagement of power by the California judicial system and most notably a DA office still trusted by the citizens of this state with locking people up. A brutal Western where the “good guys” are most certainly the villains.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the L.A. Times podcasts, and Christopher Goffard’s reporting. Such a chilling example of how a recklessly narrow investigation, circular logic, and a challenging, prickly defendant can destroy innocent lives and deprive victims of justice. So many disturbing parallels to the Pat Dunn case in Bakersfield, California…from the tunnel vision of investigators, to the complete lack of physical evidence, to active coaching of an informant who explicitly offers to lie to avoid their own charges, to a defendant whose unpopularity with powerful people led to him being accused of murdering his own wife for no coherent motive. Unfortunately, Mr. Dunn was not as fortunate as Frank Carson.

This is so well put together. I looked forward to every episode. The reporting was fair and full of facts. The listener is able to come to their own conclusion about guilt. I had to research more on the case after it was over. I cannot believe that our system allows such a horrible, unethical, dishonest person even practice law. She can’t possibly believe the bull $hi% she tried to feed the jury. How she looks herself in the mirror is beyond me.

This podcast is masterfully done. Excellently researched. Well produced, with no annoying music, it’s an easy listen. Except for the fact that the story is so shocking. It’s unthinkable that prosecutors believed they had a solid case. This podcast pulls back the curtain on the egregious damage done to criminal defendants wrongfully accused. Most highly recommended.

The story of Frank Carson was moderately interesting, but the podcast was too long. It also included far too much commentary by Carson himself. That kind of started to get old.

Police: Sir, we’d like to ask you some questions about a missing person Frank: My Dad just died Police: Hello sir, we have some questions regarding a homicide Frank: Hello 911, there’s intruders in my office and they have guns!! 😂 #1 comedy podcast Side note: Pop n cork liquor store is on the same street as the local swap meet Frank Carson frequently visited every Tuesday. Trucks that are said to have carried a dead body and are stolen and burned are not a common crime in the area ..lol Police coerce Woody. But his story changed after speaking to his father and lawyer..no coercion there. Knowing the conclusion of this case and the current defund the police climate obviously played a part on the narrative this podcast chose to portray. I would love to listen to an LA Times one sided podcast called “The murder of Korey Kauffman. Frank Carson should have joined forces with with OJ Simpson to find the real killers Robert Woody is a petty criminal tweeker who has no credibility Ex criminal clients of Carson willfully admitting they would kill for him...definitely credible and would be a great addition to the podcast ! Wait, Robert Woody the guy who worked at pop n cork and close friend of the Atwals also ex client of Carson was found guilty of Manslaughter? So his confession is true enough to convict him but not true enough to point any blame towards Carson and the Atwals?! Oh so now we have to believe what the “tweeker” is saying when he tells the host he made the whole story up. So is he credible only when he follows the podcasts narrative?

Best podcast I’ve heard in years. Wanted to give it 10 stars. It actually made me cry Please listen. You won’t regret it.