A California defense attorney, his wife, her daughter, and three state highway patrol officers were among nine people arrested last week in connection with a 2012 murder.

Criminal defense attorney Frank Carson was named as ringleader of the plot and charged with first degree murder, conspiracy and the special circumstance of lying in wait, which could qualify for the death penalty under California law.

Former CHP officer Walter Wells faces charges of murder, conspiracy and false imprisonment, while CHP officers Scott McFarlane and Eduardo Quintanar Jr., were charged with criminal conspiracy and being an accessory.