Episode 536: The Murder of Gary Triano
Dive into the tumultuous life and tragic end of Gary Triano with "Morbid," where hosts Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart delve into the details of a case that shocked the community. Once a titan of real estate, Gary's life unraveled as he faced a devastating financial crash, eventually culminating in a shocking act of violence. This episode takes you through his rollercoaster journey of success and struggle, the significant debts that shadowed his final days, and his lethal birthday surprise that would lead to a highly complex investigation.
The narrative then unfolds to expose a twisted plot of betrayal and murder. As investigators unpacked the evidence, they untangled a web of deceit spun by Gary's former spouse, Pamela Phillips, and hitman Ronald Young. Revealing recorded phone calls, suspicious financial transactions, and the grim realities behind their luxurious façade, "Morbid" lays bare a story of greed and callousness that resulted in two life sentences without parole. Spare a thought for the meticulous work of law enforcement as they pieced together a crime that spanned borders and years, which is meticulously retold in this gripping episode.
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1-Page Summary
Gary's successful real estate and finance career
Gary Triano once saw peak success in his real estate finance and development career, but during the real estate bust and stock market crash, he encountered significant financial difficulties, leading to lawsuits and ultimately filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with debts over $40 million. Despite these downturns and mounting gambling debts, Gary aimed to maintain his child support commitments, showcasing the drastic shift from prosperity to financial turmoil.
Gary's murder via pipe bomb in his car
Gary Triano was tragically killed by a remotely detonated pipe bomb, placed in his car, upon arriving at his surprise birthday party on November 1, 1996. The explosive force of the pipe bomb was so severe that his skull was split open, amongst other horrific injuries, indicating that his death was immediate.
Investigation into Gary's murder
The investigation into Gary Triano's murder initially focused on a potential mob hit or his unpaid gambling debts. Eventually, it uncovered evidence linking Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young to the murder. These included incriminating financial transactions, documents found in an abandoned rental car, and recorded conversations. However, there was a significant delay in arrests due to Phillips fleeing the country, leading to Young's arrest in 2008 and Phillips' capture in Austria in 2009.
Pamela Phillips' relationship and bitter divorce from Gary
Pamela Phillips and Gary Triano experienced a publicly luxurious lifestyle during their marriage, funded by Gary's earnings. However, their divorce turned acrimonious, with multiple restraining orders filed by Pamela and the ultimate relocation of Pamela and the children to Aspen, distancing her and their children from Gary.
Arrest, conviction and life sentences of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young
The investigation revealed Pamela Phillips had paid Ronald Young to murder Gary Triano, mainly to collect on his life insurance policy. Despite both denying their involvement, evidence such as recorded calls, the money trail from the insurance policy, and documents found in Young's possession led to their conviction. Young and Phillips were both found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and received life sentences without parole. Phillips' appeals have been unsuccessful, affirming the conviction and life sentence.
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Clarifications
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a legal process that allows businesses to reorganize their debts and finances under the supervision of the court. It provides a way for companies to continue operating while developing a plan to repay creditors. This type of bankruptcy is often used by businesses aiming to restructure and emerge stronger financially.
- A "mob hit" typically refers to a situation where a member of organized crime, such as the mafia, orders a targeted killing. This can be due to various reasons like settling disputes, enforcing control, or eliminating perceived threats. In the context of Gary Triano's murder, the initial investigation explored the possibility that his death could have been orchestrated by organized crime figures or individuals connected to criminal activities.
- A life insurance policy is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. In the event of the insured person's death, the insurance company pays out a sum of money to the designated beneficiaries. This payout, known as the death benefit, is typically used to provide financial support to the beneficiaries after the insured's passing. In some cases, individuals may take out life insurance policies with the intention of providing financial security for their loved ones in the event of their death.
- First-degree murder charges typically involve premeditation and intent to kill. Conspiracy to commit murder charges involve an agreement between two or more people to carry out a murder. In this case, Pamela Phillips was charged with both first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for her role in orchestrating the killing of Gary Triano. Ronald Young was also charged with these offenses for his involvement in carrying out the murder plot.
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Gary's successful real estate and finance career
Gary's career in real estate finance and development was once marked by success but took a drastic turn for the worse after a combination of a market crash, personal gambling debts, and legal troubles.
Peak career success followed by financial ruin due to market crash and gambling debts
Gary's work in real estate was going well until the real estate bust and global stock market crash put him in a challenging financial situation for the first time in nearly two decades. The collapse of the market hindered his ability to sell properties, leading to severe cash flow problems and his inability to satisfy creditors, which resulted in multiple lawsuits.
In addition to the losses incurred from his failing business endeavors, Gary's personal gambling debts escalated to unsustainable levels. By 1993, legal actions against him had surged, and it became clear that Gary's finances were in a critical state. The subsequent year, he was compelled to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facing a staggering debt of over $40 million.
The financial woes continued post-bankruptcy filing, with Gary losing nearly $26 million in just two months. This unfortunate trend persisted as he grappled with bankruptcy proceedings and efforts to adhere to a repayment plan.
Amidst this turmoil, Gary's personal life was ...
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Gary's successful real estate and finance career
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Clarifications
- The collapse of the market made it challenging for Gary to find buyers for his properties, leading to a slowdown in property sales. This slowdown resulted in cash flow problems for Gary's real estate business, as he struggled to generate income from property transactions. The market crash created a situation where potential buyers were hesitant to invest in real estate, impacting Gary's ability to liquidate his property assets. The overall economic downturn caused by the market collapse affected the demand for real estate properties, making it harder for Gary to sell his assets at profitable prices.
- Adherence to a repayment plan typically involves following a structured schedule to repay debts or financial obligations. This plan outlines the amounts to be paid, the frequency of payments, and the duration of the repayment process. It is a formal agreement between a debtor and creditors to settle outstanding debts systematically. Failure to adhere to the repayment plan can result in legal consequences or further financial difficulties.
- The real estate bust and global stock market crash in the context of Gary's story represent significant economic downturns that impacted property values and investment markets on a large scale. These events led to a decline in real estate prices, making it challenging for individuals like Gary to sell properties and manage financial obligations. The global stock market crash also contributed to financial instability, affecting investments and wealth accumulation for many individuals and businesses. The combination of these crises created a challenging environment for Gary's real estat ...
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Gary's murder via pipe bomb in his car
A tragic event unfolded on the afternoon of November 1st, 1996, when Gary was killed instantly by a pipe bomb placed in his car as he was arriving at his own surprise birthday party.
Killed instantly while arriving at own surprise birthday party
Gary discovered a blue canvas bag on the passenger seat of his car, and as soon as he touched it, the bag exploded, resulting in a massive blast. He had just arrived at his home, where friends and family were gathered to celebrate his birthday, unaware of the fatal event that would occur.
Bomb was remotely detonated
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) technicians examined the remnants of the car and found electronic components confirming the bomb was remotely detonated. This suggests that the perpetrator was in the vicinity and detonated the bomb when Gary got into his vehicle after arriving at the location.
Horrific injuries from bomb detailed
The pipe bomb caused horrific injuries to Gary. According to ...
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Gary's murder via pipe bomb in his car
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Clarifications
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is a U.S. law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes related to firearms, explosives, arson, and illegal alcohol and tobacco activities. They also regulate the sale and transportation of firearms and explosives across state lines. The ATF collaborates with state and local law enforcement agencies on various operations and investigations.
- The presence of electronic components in the remnants of the car indicated that the bomb was triggered remotely, meaning it was detonated from a distance using electronic devices or mechanisms. This suggests that the perpetrator did not need to be physically near the car to set off the explosion, enhancing the element of surprise and potentially reducing the risk of being caught in the act. The use of remote detonation technology allowed the perpetrator to control the timing of the explosion with precision, ensuring that it occurred when Gary interacted with the rigged vehicle. This method of detonation is commonly employed in sophisticated explosive devices to maximize their effectiveness and target accuracy.
- Shrapnel piercing the brain means that fragments from the explosion penetrated through the skull and entered the brain tissue, causing severe damage. This type of injury can lead to significant neurological complications and is often life-threatening due to the delicate ...
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Investigation into Gary's murder
The investigation into Gary Triano's death, first seen as a mob hit or even related to unpaid gambling debts, eventually uncovered a conspiracy involving Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young, leading to a lengthy delay before arrest due to Phillips fleeing the country.
Initial focus on potential mob hit or unpaid gambling debts
Initially, the investigation into Gary Triano's death pursued the theory of a mob hit. Given Gary's extensive gambling debts and connections to those involved in the financing and building of casinos, this direction seemed plausible. Despite Frank Buscemi dismissing any mafia involvement in Arizona's casinos, suspicions about Gary's death being connected to his financial troubles lingered. The Pima County Sheriff's Department considered that several people angry with Gary over personal and financial relationships might have had a motive. However, after weeks of probing, investigators could not find any direct ties to organized crime or evidence that Gary's debtors would gain financially from his death.
Evidence found tying Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young to the murder
The breakthrough came when investigators connected Ronald Young to Gary Triano through evidence found in an abandoned rental car. This car contained a large number of documents from Gary and Pam's divorce and unusual items like a credit report in Pamela Phillips' name and a map of Tucson.
Furthermore, evidence from Young's home and laptop, and recorded telephone conversations, pointed to financial transactions between Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young. These transactions tallied about $400,000 since 1997, matching the payouts Phillips received from Gary's life insurance, suggesting an attempt to hide the money trail.
Recordings of telephone conversations revealed discussions about their financial dealings and included explicit references to a scenario where if caught, they would face murde ...
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Investigation into Gary's murder
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Clarifications
- Frank Buscemi was a key figure in the investigation into Gary Triano's death. He dismissed any mafia involvement in Arizona's casinos, which was initially considered in the case. Buscemi's stance helped shift the focus of the investigation away from organized crime connections. His input contributed to steering the investigation towards other potential motives for Gary Triano's murder.
- The financial transactions between Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young involved approximately $400,000 since 1997. These transactions aligned with the payouts Phillips received from Gary Triano's life insurance policy. The evidence suggested an attempt to conceal the money trail through these transactions. Recorded telephone conversations revealed discussions about their financial dealings, including explicit mentions of potential consequences if caught, such as facing murder charges.
- The evidence found in the abandoned rental car included documents from Gary and Pam's divorce, a credit report in Pamela Phillips' name, and a map of Tucson.
- The recorded telephone conversations revealed discussions between Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young about their financial dealings, including explicit mentions of a scenario where they could face murder charges if caught. These recordings provided crucial evidence of their conspiracy to murder Gary Triano, shedding light on the ...
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Pamela Phillips' relationship and bitter divorce from Gary
The marriage between Pamela Phillips and Gary was a public spectacle of wealth and social position. However, their bitter divorce was marked by acrimony and contentious legal battles.
Lavish lifestyle during marriage funded by Gary
Pamela Phillips and Gary led a life of luxury, often entertaining affluent guests and were regular attendees at society events, fundraisers, University of Arizona basketball games, and the Tucson Country Club. Gary provided for an extravagant lifestyle that included a home on the grounds of the prestigious Skyline Country Club and use of a private jet for trips. Pam, herself successful, decided to quit working after marrying Gary as he met all her financial needs. Their relationship, while marked with apparent affection, was notably underscored by Pam's love for money and the opulent life Gary could provide.
Multiple restraining orders filed during divorce
During the divorce proceedings, Pamela's behavior was less than favorable in the eyes of the court. She had thrown a cup of water at Gary in a fit of anger during a c ...
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Pamela Phillips' relationship and bitter divorce from Gary
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Clarifications
- The bitter divorce and contentious legal battles between Pamela Phillips and Gary were primarily fueled by financial disagreements, differing lifestyles, and clashes in personalities. Pamela's desire for a lavish lifestyle clashed with Gary's expectations, leading to conflicts over money and priorities. Additionally, issues such as custody disputes and emotional outbursts further escalated the tensions during the divorce proceedings. The relocation of Pamela and the children post-divorce added another layer of complexity to the situation, impacting the dynamics between the former couple.
- Pamela's decision to quit working after marrying Gary reflects her choice to rely on Gary for financial support and lead a lifestyle of luxury without the need for her own income. This decision highlights the dynamic of their relationship, where Gary provided for her needs, all ...
Counterarguments
- While the text suggests that Pamela's love for money was a significant aspect of their relationship, it is possible that there were other, deeper aspects of their relationship that were not as publicly visible.
- The text implies that Pamela's decision to quit working was solely due to Gary meeting her financial needs, but it could also be argued that this decision might have been influenced by mutual agreements, societal expectations, or other personal reasons.
- The unfavorable view of Pamela's behavior during the divorce proceedings, such as throwing water at Gary, might not fully account for the emotional stress and complexities involved in a divorce, which can lead to uncharacteristic behavior in otherwise reasonable individuals.
- The filing of multiple restraining orders against Gary is presented in a negative light, but without context, it is not possible to assess the validity of these orders or the circumstances that led to their filing.
- The relocatio ...
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Arrest, conviction and life sentences of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young
The investigation into Gary Triano's murder revealed a tangled web of deceit and greed leading to the conviction and life sentences of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young.
Evidence showed Phillips paid Young to murder Gary
Pima County prosecutors presented an array of evidence in the trials of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young that laid out a meticulous murder-for-hire plot. The recorded phone calls and numerous payments from Gary's life insurance policy were displayed in court as solid proof of the conspiracy.
A forensic accountant's examination and conversations recorded between Phillips and Young provided damning evidence that Phillips had hired Young to carry out the murder of her ex-husband. These recordings were deemed sufficient evidence to prompt a search, which led to the collection of large amounts of evidence in Young's home, further tying him to the crime.
Greed was sole motive to collect on Gary's life insurance policy
After Gary Triano's death, prosecutors uncovered that his ex-wife, Pamela Phillips, filed a claim on his $2 million life insurance policy—a policy taken out when they were still married. Her subsequent indictment on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder centered on greed as the driving force behind the murder.
The prosecutor stressed that the motive for the crime was nothing but greed. Phillips had begun paying Young from the insurance money five months before Gary's murder. The jury heard how Pam Phillips handled the insurance proceeds on behalf of her and Gary's minor children, which further targeted her as the mastermind behind the crime.
During her trial, despite her initial claims of incompetence, Phillips was deemed competent to stand trial, where evidence including payments to Young from Gary’s life insurance policy and documented communications between Young and Phillips indicated her active participation in planning the murder.
Both Phillips and Young denied any involvement, but the prosecutor argued that Young killed Gary in exchange for a $400,000 payout from the insurance policy.
Both denied i ...
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Arrest, conviction and life sentences of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young
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Clarifications
- Gary Triano was Pamela Phillips' ex-husband. They had been married previously, and during their marriage, they took out a $2 million life insurance policy. After their divorce, Pamela Phillips filed a claim on this policy following Gary Triano's death. The motive behind the murder-for-hire plot was centered on Phillips' desire to collect on this life insurance policy.
- The murder-for-hire plot involved Pamela Phillips paying Ronald Young to kill her ex-husband, Gary Triano. Evidence included recorded phone calls and payments from Gary's life insurance policy. Conversations between Phillips and Young, along with a forensic accountant's examination, provided crucial evidence leading to the discovery of the plot. This evidence prompted a search that uncovered further incriminating details in Young's home, solidifying their connection to the crime.
- During the trials of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young, prosecutors presented recorded phone calls and financial evidence linking Phillips to the murder-for-hire plot. Conversations between Phillips and Young, along with payments from the victim's life insurance policy, were key pieces of evidence. Despite denials from both defendants, the juries were convinced by the evidence and found them guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy. This led to life sentences without the possibility of parole for both Phillips and Young.
- Pamela Phillips' mental health evaluations were conducted to assess her mental state and competency to stand trial. These evaluations aimed to determine if she was mentally fit to understand the legal proceedings and assist in her defense. The impact of these evaluations on the trial was to ensure that Phillips received a fair le ...
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