Courtroom Autopsy

David Lish & Ryan McPhie
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Business

Welcome to the official podcast of Grand Canyon Law Group—Arizona’s premier dedicated criminal defense firm. Hosted by founding attorneys David Lish and Ryan McPhie, this show goes beyond the courtroom. Each episode explores real criminal cases, legal outcomes, and the stories behind the charges—from DUI to domestic violence, assault to white collar crimes. As former prosecutors turned fierce defense attorneys, David and Ryan bring unmatched insight, candid conversation, and a touch of grit. But it's not all law and order—we’ll also share hidden gems across Arizona, local legends, interviews with community voices, and the secret spots we love when we're off the clock. Whether you're navigating the justice system, curious about the truth behind high-stakes cases, or just want to hear two Arizona attorneys shoot straight—this podcast has you covered.

  1. 23h ago

    The Secret Recording That Solved a 12-Year-Old Car Bomb Murder

    Gary Triano finished a round of golf at La Paloma, got in his car, and it blew up. It was his birthday. The bomb was remotely detonated, meaning someone was watching. What looked like a mob hit turned into something far more personal. His ex-wife Pamela Phillips was a state away in Colorado with what seemed like a perfect alibi, but a separate fraud investigation connected her to a co-conspirator named Ron Young, and what investigators found in his van blew the case wide open. David Lish and Ryan McPhie break down how microcassette recordings, hotel receipts, and a $2 million life insurance policy built a purely circumstantial case that held up through two separate trials. You'll hear how competency proceedings nearly derailed everything, why the defense pointed the finger at mob associates and angry investors, how Austria's extradition conditions took the death penalty off the table, and what the recorded phone calls actually prove. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 01:53 - Who was Gary Triano? 02:43 - The debts, the enemies, and the mob connections 04:48 - The car bomb murder at La Paloma 06:04 - The device: a remotely detonated pipe bomb 07:07 - Too many suspects, no clear lead 08:07 - A fraud case in Colorado cracks everything open 10:32 - What they found in Ronald Young's van 11:37 - The $2 million life insurance policy 13:12 - Arrests: America's Most Wanted and a chase to Austria 15:24 - Extradition conditions and the death penalty exception 16:40 - Rule 11: competency to stand trial 22:36 - Third party culpability defense and its limits 27:44 - Circumstantial vs. direct evidence and burden of proof 34:42 - The recorded phone calls that sealed the case Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-canyon-law-group/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandcanyonlawgroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandcanyonlawgroup/ X: https://x.com/grandcanyonlaw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grand.canyon.law Website: https://www.grandcanyon.law/ This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

    42 min

  2. May 26

    The Love Triangle That Ended in Murder by Hammer

    A husband is beaten with a hammer. His wife says an intruder did it. Then the story changes again… and again. When police arrived at the home of Dale Harrell and Marissa Devault, they found Dale barely alive and Marissa covered in blood. What followed was one of Arizona’s most bizarre murder cases — a trial filled with conflicting stories, allegations of abuse, a suspicious attack on the defendant, a roommate with severe memory problems, and a secret relationship prosecutors claimed revealed the true motive. In this episode, we break down the murder trial that drew constant comparisons to the Jodi Arias case. From the failed intruder defense to the prosecution’s “love triangle turned insurance scheme” theory, we analyze the evidence, trial strategy, witness credibility, and the legal issues that made this case unforgettable. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - The 911 call and the bloody crime scene 03:20 - Marissa’s self-defense and abuse claims 04:43 - The mysterious attack on Marissa after her release 07:36 - The multiple stories Marissa gave investigators 10:02 - The secret sugar daddy relationship revealed 13:01 - Media coverage and comparisons to Jodi Arias 17:15 - Problems with the self-defense argument 30:21 - The controversial testimony deal with Alan Flores 47:08 - Marissa’s interrogation and reenactment of the hammer attack Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-canyon-law-group/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandcanyonlawgroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandcanyonlawgroup/ X: https://x.com/grandcanyonlaw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grand.canyon.law Website: https://www.grandcanyon.law/ This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

    51 min
  3. Every Lawyer in the Jodi Arias Trial Made Critical Mistakes

    May 12

    Every Lawyer in the Jodi Arias Trial Made Critical Mistakes

    It was one of the most-watched trials in American history. Everyone knows the case, but almost no one knows what actually happened in the courtroom. This episode takes you inside the 67-day Jodi Arias trial — the doomed defense strategy, the prosecutorial misconduct that led to a controversial appeal, and the media circus in and out of the courthouse. You'll hear behind-the-scenes stories and the kind of analysis only trial lawyers can give. Topics discussed: 00:00 - Introduction 1:47 - Before the crime: Jodi and Travis’ relationship0 3:10 - The crime and the evidence0 8:30 - Jodi’s stories and claims of self-defense 10:41 - The jury verdict and sentencing 12:07 - The appeal: what went wrong at trial 15:45 - Did media coverage influence jurors? 27:03 - Defense strategy and how Jodi hurt her case 33:14 - Prosecutorial misconduct during the trial 44:15 - The duty of a prosecutor and rights of a defendant 47:31 - The Court of Appeals ruling 49:17 - Our verdict: was justice done? Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grand-canyon-law-group/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandcanyonlawgroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandcanyonlawgroup/ X: https://x.com/grandcanyonlaw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grand.canyon.law Website: https://www.grandcanyon.law/ This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

    52 min
  4. Evidence In Plain Sight: The Arizona V. Hicks Case

    12/26/2025

    Evidence In Plain Sight: The Arizona V. Hicks Case

    In this episode, we break down Arizona v. Hicks — the landmark case that reshaped how police can search a home. What began as a gunshot call turned into a Supreme Court decision that defined the limits of “plain view” and police authority during a search. We walk through what happened that night, how evidence was discovered, and why this case still matters today when it comes to your Fourth Amendment rights. If you’ve ever wondered what officers can legally seize during a search — and what crosses the line — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now to learn how one case changed the rules for searches nationwide.

    40 min
  5. Revenge Turned Massacre: The Richard Djerf Case

    12/03/2025

    Revenge Turned Massacre: The Richard Djerf Case

    In this episode, we unpack the shocking case of Richard Djerf, whose desire for revenge exploded into a horrific family massacre. Our attorneys break down the motive, the crimes, and the key evidence that brought the case to a close.A chilling story — and one of Arizona’s most haunting true-crime cases.

    42 min
  6. The Great Escape: The Tison Family Case

    11/19/2025

    The Great Escape: The Tison Family Case

    In today’s episode, we break down the Tison Family prison escape—one of Arizona’s most notorious criminal cases. We cover the Tison brothers’ role in helping their father escape custody, the tragic murders that followed, and how the case reshaped felony-murder law in Arizona.If you’re interested in criminal law, real case strategy, and the legal lessons behind true crime stories, this episode is a must-listen.

    40 min
  7. You Have The Right To Remain Silent - The Ernesto Miranda Case

    09/17/2025

    You Have The Right To Remain Silent - The Ernesto Miranda Case

    In this episode, we dive into the landmark case of Ernesto Miranda — the man whose name became synonymous with the rights every American now hears when taken into custody. From the details of his arrest to the pivotal Supreme Court ruling, we break down how Miranda v. Arizona forever reshaped U.S. law and criminal procedure. Discover the story behind the famous “Miranda Rights,” why this case was so controversial, and how its ripple effects still protect defendants in courtrooms across the country today.

    39 min
  8. Love, Lies And Murder - The Marjorie Orbin Case

    09/03/2025

    Love, Lies And Murder - The Marjorie Orbin Case

    In this episode, we dive into the shocking case of Marjorie Ann Orbin, an Arizona woman whose glamorous life took a dark turn when she was convicted of murdering her husband, Jay Orbin. Known for her ties to Las Vegas show business and her seemingly picture-perfect lifestyle, Marjorie’s story became one of betrayal, manipulation, and cold-blooded crime. We break down the evidence, the timeline of Jay’s disappearance, the gruesome discovery in the desert, and how investigators pieced together a case that revealed infidelity, financial motive, and chilling deception. Was this premeditated murder or a desperate act gone wrong? Join us as we unpack the twists and turns of a case that gripped Phoenix and made national headlines.

    44 min
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Trailer

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About

Welcome to the official podcast of Grand Canyon Law Group—Arizona’s premier dedicated criminal defense firm. Hosted by founding attorneys David Lish and Ryan McPhie, this show goes beyond the courtroom. Each episode explores real criminal cases, legal outcomes, and the stories behind the charges—from DUI to domestic violence, assault to white collar crimes. As former prosecutors turned fierce defense attorneys, David and Ryan bring unmatched insight, candid conversation, and a touch of grit. But it's not all law and order—we’ll also share hidden gems across Arizona, local legends, interviews with community voices, and the secret spots we love when we're off the clock. Whether you're navigating the justice system, curious about the truth behind high-stakes cases, or just want to hear two Arizona attorneys shoot straight—this podcast has you covered.

Information

  • Creator
    David Lish & Ryan McPhie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Grand Canyon Law Group 2025
  • Show Website
    Courtroom Autopsy

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