California Highway Patrol officers, others eyed in killing

SAN FRANCISCO -- Officials say three current and former California Highway Patrol officers, a prominent Central Valley lawyer and five other people have been arrested in connection with a killing.

The arrests were announced Friday in Modesto with authorities saying the nine suspects all played a role in killing 26-year-old Korey Kauffman, who was reported missing in April 2012.

Kauffman's body was found by hunters in August 2013 in a remote area of Central California.

An arrest warrant says attorney Frank Carson orchestrated the killing. Investigators say Carson believed Kaufman was stealing valuable antiques from storage containers on his property.

CHP officers Scott McFarlane and Eduardo Quintanar are suspected of obstructing the investigation. Former CHP Officer Walter Wells is suspected in the killing.

All suspects were taken into custody Friday and remained in jail. It's unclear if they have attorneys.