Death by Ice Axe: The Murder of Katie Pham

Kathryn Pham, 21. had been dating Daniel Gunnarsson, 23, hardly a month, but the 23-year-old's obsession with Pham grew quickly. He would get angry if anyone else had the young woman's attention. Gunnarsson confided to his stepfather that he thought Pham was breaking up with him. The stepfather's advice? Apologize.

Gunnarsson did and somehow convinced Pham to go with him to his stepfather's home. Once there, painters were on the scene. The couple went in to the garage. Soon after the painters hear screaming, but wait an hour before going to check. Inside the garage, Kathryn Phan is laying on the floor, naked and bloodied. Daniel Gunnarsson struck Pham with an ice axe at least 10 times.

Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as they look at the destruction and mayhem caused by one tool.

Time Codes-highlights

00:00:00 Joseph Scott Morgan discusses what it's like to receive a jury duty letter in the mail only to find the possible case is murder.

00:02:29 An ice axe is not a tool found in most homes. Usually it is only in locations with colder temperature. How could it be used for murder?

00:04:14 Description of an ice axe

00:06:50 Dating relationship between Daniel Gunnarsson and Katie Pham introduced

00:07:56 Daniel Gunnarsson red flag behavior details.

00:09:06 Katie Pham's trip to Gunnarsson's stepfather's garage

00:09:38 Painters start hearing a girl's screams. Body is discovered. Scene described.

00:12:28 Katie Pham's injuries described

00:15:56 Injuries occurred in the upper body, the chest, the neck and the head. .

00:20:08 Dead body touched in sexual manner

00:21:34 Suspect was wearing gloves.

00:24:45 Jurors had to hear details of an ice axe murder.

00:25:34 Victim was struck at least 10 times.

00:28:36 Is it possible to determine the order of injuries?

00:29:41 Defense strategy was that someone else snuck into the garage.

00:31:01 Jurors wept

00:31:20 Daniel Gunderson was found guilty.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great podcast

This story brought up some very thought provoking points. And as always, the format and commentary are incredibly interesting and well done.