Woodside Attorney's Molestation Trial Faces Potential Mistrial After Suicide Attempt

The trial of a retired Woodside attorney accused of molesting three young boys may be headed toward a mistrial after his suicide attempt put him on a 14-day involuntary psychiatric hold.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:47pm

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The trial of a retired Woodside attorney, Alan Frank Russell, accused of molesting three young boys between 1996 and 2008 may be headed toward a mistrial after Russell attempted suicide shortly before the trial's opening statements. Russell is facing 12 counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and one count of felony possession of child pornography. The judge found Russell "voluntarily absented" himself from the trial, and his defense is arguing the court cannot continue in his absence, necessitating a mistrial declaration.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues that can arise when a defendant's mental health and competency to stand trial come into question, especially in high-profile cases involving serious allegations of child sexual abuse. The potential mistrial also raises concerns about the impact on the alleged victims and the community's trust in the justice system.

The details

Russell is accused of molesting the children of family friends while on trips together between 1996 and 2008. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and is facing life in prison. Following his suicide attempt with a pellet gun shortly before the trial's opening statements on January 20, the judge found Russell "voluntarily absented" himself from the proceedings. Russell's defense attorney is now arguing the court cannot continue the trial in his absence and must declare a mistrial.

  • Russell was originally charged with molesting one victim in May 2023.
  • Following his arrest, two other victims came forward and a grand jury indicted Russell on additional charges.
  • The trial was suspended until January 29 for discussion of Russell's medical records.
  • The jury will return on February 9, at which time the court will decide whether to declare a mistrial.

The players

Alan Frank Russell

A retired Woodside attorney accused of molesting three young boys between 1996 and 2008. He is facing 12 counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 and one count of felony possession of child pornography.

Peter Goldscheider

Russell's defense attorney, who is arguing the court cannot continue the trial in Russell's absence and must declare a mistrial.

Judge Renee Reyna

The Superior Court judge presiding over the trial, who found Russell "voluntarily absented" himself from the proceedings after his suicide attempt.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The jury will return on February 9, at which time the court will decide whether to declare a mistrial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues that can arise when a defendant's mental health and competency to stand trial come into question, especially in high-profile cases involving serious allegations of child sexual abuse. The potential mistrial also raises concerns about the impact on the alleged victims and the community's trust in the justice system.