By admin 
TUCSON, AZ (13 News) – A new ruling by a Pima County Superior Court judge is being considered a victory by Pima County Attorney Laura Conover.
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A judge dismissed Pamela Anne Phillips’ petition for Post-Conviction Relief stemming from the 1996 murder of her husband Gary Triano.
The July 29 court ruling follows years of post-conviction litigation, during which PCAO defended the integrity of the original investigation, trial, and convictions.
Video of Phillips’ conviction can be watched below:
After extensive briefing, multiple hearings, and additional DNA testing using advanced forensic technology, the court rejected every claim raised by Phillips and found no basis to overturn the jury’s verdict.
“Justice doesn’t end with a verdict. It requires an ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of that verdict through every stage of the legal process. I am incredibly proud of PCAO Appellate Supervisor Bill Brammer, Deputy County Attorney James Rappaport, Paralegal Maggie Guzman and the rest of our Appeals team for their exceptional work in defending this conviction. Their dedication ensured that every claim received a thorough and fair review while preserving justice for Gary Triano, his loved ones, and the people of Pima County,” said Pima County Attorney Laura Conover.
In 1996, Phillips hired Ronald Young to kill Triano, which he carried out by planting and detonating a bomb in Triano’s vehicle. Phillips was convicted in 2014 after a 31-day jury trial of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison. Young was convicted separately and is serving a natural life sentence.
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Phillips’ convictions were affirmed on direct appeal in 2018. She filed a petition for post-conviction relief in 2024.
In its July 29, 2026, ruling, the Superior Court rejected each claim and summarily dismissed the petition.
In a media release, the PCAO says “The Gary Triano murder case remains one of Southern Arizona’s most significant homicide prosecutions. The court’s decision reinforces the finality of the jury’s verdict and reflects PCAO’s ongoing commitment to protecting lawful convictions, supporting victims and their families, and promoting confidence in the criminal justice system.”
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