The Trials of Frank Carson
Updated: Nov 23, 2022
(available on Spotify and other podcast services)
Written and presented by Los Angeles Times reporter, Christopher Goffard (see FTC review/recommendation of the podcast “Dirty John”)
FTC Rating: 4 out of 5
A renowned Stanislaus County defense attorney defends his client in one courtroom and simultaneously faces his own charges for conspiring to murder a small-time thief. The truly unbelievable tale of power, politics, and the law in California’s Central Valley.
Strengths:
-Balanced approach to presentation of Carson’s character
-Wonderful lyrical account of the story with a fitting background soundtrack
-Includes a crucial interview with the DA’s star witness, Robert Woody
-Transparent about which sources refuse to comment or speak with Goffard
Weakness:
-Often editorializes conversations which can prevent listeners from drawing their own conclusions
Final Thoughts:
-It is terrifying to think about what happens to the falsely accused without the wherewithal to properly defend themselves. The tragic cases of the “West Memphis Three” (see FTC review/recommendation) and “Central Park Five” automatically spring to mind.
- For those wishing to read the story: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-06-27/the-murder-of-a-small-town-thief-claims-of-a-vast-conspiracy-the-trials-of-frank-carson
