Socialite Sentenced To Life After Convicted Of Murdering Her Husband

It was drama in the court as socialite Pamela Phillips was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering her husband. INSIDE EDITION has the story.

There was drama in court as a socialite convicted of murdering her wealthy husband was sentenced to life behind bars.

Fifty-six-year-old Pamela Phillips turned to her slain husband's family and ranted that she is innocent.

She said, “I am innocent. I am innocent. It's so hard for me. It's a nightmare. This is a nightmare.”

A jury convicted her of hiring a hit man to plant a bomb inside the car driven by her millionaire husband Gary Triano in 1996. It detonated by remote control when he left an exclusive country club in Tucson, Arizona after a round of golf.

Her ex-boyfriend, Ron Young, recorded phone conversations with Pamela Phillips. After she stopped sending him money, he claimed she owed him for the hit.    

In the phone call, Pamela Phillips said, “It looks like the money is gone. I'm not able to send you any more money.”


Young:  “When you sit in a women's prison for murder, you know, you are going to be really sad.”
Pamela: “I'm going to be back at four!”

Young: “No, you're going to be in prison for murder.”

That prediction turned out to be right on the money.

Pamela Phillips continued to deny any involvement at her sentencing. She said in court, “Gary was my husband and the father of my children. I am innocent and I want everybody to know that this has been a travesty and a nightmare for me!”

Her impassioned speech did her no good. She was sentenced to life without parole.

She said, “I don't understand how this can even happen, right? But I want you all to know that I am innocent!”