“Explosive Secrets”: 20/20 Reports on Gary Triano Homicide January 24 2025

This Friday, January 24, 2025, 20/20 delves into the tragic and perplexing murder of Gary Triano, a prominent real estate developer from Tucson, Arizona. Correspondent Chris Connelly takes viewers through the twists and turns of a case that captured national attention, involving a fatal pipe bomb explosion, a tangled web of personal relationships, and years of investigative effort. The episode promises interviews with key figures and a detailed look at the events leading to Triano’s death and the trials that followed.

Gary Triano’s life was one of wealth and influence, but it unraveled amidst financial struggles and a contentious divorce from his second wife, Pamela Phillips. When Triano was killed in a remote-controlled car bombing in 1996, it initially seemed like an accident. Investigators, however, unearthed a tale of betrayal, greed, and murder for hire that culminated in two life sentences for those responsible.

Gary Triano: A Life of Success and Struggles

Gary Triano was a well-known figure in Tucson’s real estate community. He had built a successful career and was known for his charismatic personality and high-profile lifestyle. Triano married twice. His first marriage to Mary Cram produced two children, but it was his second marriage to Pamela Phillips that would come to define his tragic fate. Phillips, a former model and real estate agent, shared a life of luxury with Triano, but their relationship soured, ending in a bitter divorce in 1993.

At the time of his death, Triano faced financial ruin, filing for bankruptcy after incurring $40 million in debt. Despite his public persona, his personal and professional life were in turmoil. Phillips moved to Aspen, Colorado, with the couple’s children, pursuing a successful real estate career while maintaining ties to Triano. These connections, however, would later prove to have darker implications.

The Murder of Gary Triano

On November 1, 1996, Triano attended a meeting at La Paloma Country Club in the affluent Catalina Foothills. As he sat in his Lincoln Town Car, a pipe bomb detonated, killing him instantly. The horrific nature of the crime shocked the community and sparked an intensive investigation.

Early inquiries focused on Triano’s business dealings, with some speculating that the murder could be linked to organized crime. However, attention soon shifted to Pamela Phillips, who had taken out a $2 million life insurance policy on her ex-husband before his death. Evidence surfaced of Phillips’ connection to Ronald Young, a small-time criminal who had a history of fraud. Investigators found incriminating documents in a van rented by Young, including a map of Tucson and details of Triano and Phillips’ divorce.

The Investigation and Arrests

The investigation into Triano’s murder spanned years and involved law enforcement across multiple states and countries. Ronald Young remained a fugitive until a 2005 episode of America’s Most Wanted prompted a tip that led to his arrest in Florida. Young’s extradition brought to light communications between him and Phillips, including discussions about the murder.

Phillips, who had fled to Austria, was arrested in 2009 after being indicted for her role in the crime. Her arrest marked a major breakthrough, but the path to justice was far from straightforward. While Young was tried and convicted in 2010, Phillips’ trial faced delays, including questions about her mental competency.

Trials and Sentencing

Ronald Young’s trial presented compelling evidence of a murder-for-hire plot. Prosecutors revealed that Phillips had promised Young $400,000 to kill Triano. Taped conversations and financial records solidified the case, leading to Young’s conviction on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy. He received two life sentences.

Pamela Phillips’ trial began in 2014, nearly two decades after Triano’s murder. The prosecution relied on similar evidence, including recordings and financial transactions, to demonstrate her involvement. After a seven-week trial, Phillips was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. She, too, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A Case That Shook a Community

Gary Triano’s murder exposed the hidden complexities of wealth, relationships, and betrayal. What began as a mysterious explosion in Tucson unraveled into a meticulously planned crime, driven by greed and personal animosity. The convictions of Pamela Phillips and Ronald Young brought closure to a case that spanned years and jurisdictions, leaving a lasting impact on those who sought justice.

This week’s episode of 20/20 offers an in-depth look at this shocking case, featuring firsthand accounts and expert insights. With its gripping narrative, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to Triano’s tragic death and the ultimate pursuit of justice.