The brutal murder of Howard Pilmar in 1996 shocked New York City and left a gaping hole in the lives of his loved ones. The case, with its layers of complexity and unanswered questions, continues to intrigue true crime enthusiasts. But beyond the headlines and investigations, lies the deeply personal story of a son, Philip Pilmar, grappling with the devastating loss of his father and navigating a life forever changed by tragedy. This article revisits the Howard Pilmar case, not to sensationalize the crime, but to respectfully remember the victim and shed light on Philip’s life today, honoring his privacy while acknowledging the public’s enduring interest.
Who Was Howard Pilmar?
Howard Pilmar was cherished as a son, husband, and father. He dedicated himself to his father’s enterprise, King Group, which stands as one of the largest office supply firms in New York City. His vibrant personality and innovative ideas endeared him to many. Prior to the rise of Starbucks, Howard launched his own coffee chain, named in honor of his son, Philip. His family was his utmost priority. Therefore, the revelation of Howard’s brutal murder sent shockwaves through the community. He was stabbed numerous times, indicating that this was not merely a random act of theft. The absence of any stolen items further deepened the enigma surrounding his death. In a city where business-related homicides are regrettably frequent, this incident garnered significant attention. Howard’s lifeless body was discovered outside the elevator of his office building, having succumbed to blood loss. His father, Frank, was heartbroken upon receiving the news. Howard’s sister recounted his lively spirit, which made the tragedy of his murder even more poignant. The detectives faced a challenging investigation, striving to uncover who could harbor such animosity towards Howard. This tragedy has left many in search of answers, grappling with the senselessness of such a profound loss.
Who Is Howard Pilmar? Background On The Victim
Howard Pilmar was a prosperous entrepreneur based in New York City, known for his ownership of the coffee shop corporation, King Group and Philip’s Coffee. He had successfully taken over his family’s chain of office supply stores and transformed it into a profitable network of upscale coffee bars (as reported by CBSNews). His wife, Roslyn, played a significant role in the business, while her brother, Evan Wald, was employed under her. In 1996, Howard and Roslyn had a son named Philip, after whom they named their hybrid office supply stores and coffee establishments (according to NYT).
Why Was Evan A Prime Suspect?
The resolution of this murder case was of significant importance to all parties involved. In 1996, Roger Parrino served as the commanding officer of the Midtown South detective squad in New York, where they began to assemble clues related to the incident. What they uncovered was anything but typical. Harold was recognized as an exceptional leader with strong rapport among his employees, leading to initially low levels of suspicion within his team. Despite being questioned multiple times, it became apparent that they harbored no ulterior motives or reasons for wishing harm upon their superior. The autopsy report disclosed a startling fact: even after Howard’s heart had ceased to function, he had been stabbed multiple times. Two days following his murder, on March 24, 1996, the detective squad visited the funeral home to document interactions, hoping to identify any irregularities. As members of the Jewish community, the Pilmar family observed a shiva, which attracted thousands of attendees. However, an unusual circumstance arose—Howard’s wife, Ross, insisted on conducting the shiva at Frank’s residence rather than their own, concerned that it would adversely affect their son, Philip. Frank was sympathetic to the situation, having witnessed Philip’s transformation from a confident, sociable child to a withdrawn and solitary individual following his father’s passing. Throughout the investigation, one name emerged prominently: Evan, Ross’s brother. Evan was notorious for his aggressive demeanor and relentless ambition to dominate the family’s coffee chain business, despite it being under Howard’s stewardship. He was challenging to engage with and evidently had a motive to usurp Howard’s position. Further inquiries revealed that Evan and Ross were the last individuals to see Howard on the night of the murder. Could they be implicated? A blood sample discovered beneath the sink in the office matched Evan’s DNA, intensifying suspicions. Additionally, several lacerations were found on Evan’s left hand, and given that he was left-handed, he became a primary suspect in the murder investigation. It appeared that greed and a thirst for power were the underlying motivations for Evan’s possible involvement in Howard’s demise.
The Life and Death of Howard Pilmar
Howard Pilmar was a successful businessman, a loving husband, and a devoted father. Described by those who knew him as a kind and generous man, he was a respected figure in his community. He and his wife, Catherine, had built a life together in New York City, raising their son, Philip. By all accounts, the Pilmars were a close-knit family.
On August 20, 1996, Howard Pilmar’s life was tragically cut short. He was found dead in his office, the victim of a violent crime. The circumstances surrounding his death were immediately suspicious, raising questions about the motive and the perpetrator. The sudden and brutal nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the city and left the Pilmar family reeling in disbelief and grief.
- Howard Pilmar: Businessman, husband, father.
- Date of Death: August 20, 1996
- Location: New York City
- Circumstances: Murder
The Investigation and Aftermath
The New York City Police Department launched a full-scale investigation into Howard Pilmar’s murder. Detectives meticulously examined the crime scene, interviewed witnesses, and followed leads in an attempt to uncover the truth. The investigation was complex and faced numerous challenges.
- Initial Focus: Identifying potential suspects and motives.
- Challenges: Gathering evidence, piecing together the events leading up to the murder.
- Media Attention: The case garnered significant media attention, adding pressure to the investigation.
While the investigation was thorough, it did not result in any arrests or convictions at the time. The lack of a clear resolution left the Pilmar family and the community with lingering questions and a profound sense of loss. The case eventually went cold, adding another layer of pain and frustration for those seeking justice for Howard.
Philip Pilmar: A Son’s Perspective
The murder of Howard Pilmar had a devastating impact on his son, Philip. Losing a parent under such violent and tragic circumstances is an unimaginable trauma. Philip was left to navigate his grief while also dealing with the public nature of his father’s case. The media attention and the ongoing investigation added to the emotional burden he carried.
- Impact of Loss: Grief, trauma, and a profound sense of loss.
- Public Scrutiny: Dealing with media attention and the public’s interest in the case.
- Journey of Healing: Philip’s personal journey of coping with the tragedy and rebuilding his life.
While details about Philip’s personal life and his specific experiences are understandably private, it’s important to acknowledge the immense challenges he faced. He was thrust into a situation no child should ever have to endure. The strength and resilience he has shown in the face of such adversity are a testament to his character.
How Was Ross Involved In The Case?
Ross and Howard epitomized a classic love story, having been high school sweethearts who crafted a life together. Howard’s unwavering devotion to Ross was evident, and their son Philip was the focal point of their existence. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect marriage, underlying issues had begun to emerge. Following Howard’s passing, it came to light that his company had an outstanding debt of $14,500 in state taxes. Ross received an inheritance of $1.2 million from a life insurance policy, in addition to Howard’s business, a coffee shop, vacation properties, and custody of Philip.Howard’s family remained unaware of any marital difficulties, yet one of his devoted employees had overheard arguments during phone conversations, suggesting underlying issues. Following Howard’s passing, Ross severed ties with Howard’s family, assumed custody of Philip, and dismantled all familial connections, leaving Frank devastated. In 1997, a year later, the New York police erected posters in memory of Howard, aiming to provoke a response. Evan and Ross’s sister were apprehended while removing the posters, citing that they were detrimental to their business. This raised suspicions. Enter the babysitter, Allyson, who, during her police interview, provided vital information.
She indicated that Ross had always been very punctual; however, on the evening of the murder, she had requested Allyson to remain longer with Philip and accompany him to hockey practice. Ross made two phone calls to inquire about their whereabouts. Upon their return, Ross appeared anxious about Allyson entering the house and promptly ushered Philip inside. Furthermore, a voicemail found on Howard’s office phone disclosed Ross’s efforts to create an alibi, stating that she would arrive home between 8 and 8:15 PM, while Howard was scheduled to attend the NCAA game with a friend at 10 PM. Consequently, she and Philip would be waiting for his return. This meticulous attention to detail implied her complicity, as she was present in the house while her brother was presumably out committing the murder of her husband during that timeframe. The motive was unmistakable: greed, control, and power; Ross desired it all—Howard’s fortune, his business, and, most crucially, custody of Philip. She was prepared to resort to nefarious measures to achieve her goals.
Ross and Evan were ultimately apprehended and brought before the court. The detectives possessed comprehensive knowledge of the case and presented compelling evidence demonstrating their culpability in Howard’s murder. At last, justice was achieved, providing some solace to Howard’s father, Frank, who found comfort in the fact that those accountable had been apprehended. Frank had a strong desire to bond with his grandson, Philip. It was evident that Philip bore a striking resemblance to his father, Howard, which intensified Frank’s longing for his son.
When Philip discovered that his mother could potentially be involved in Howard’s death, he was incredulous. He staunchly defended her, asserting that Howard’s family fabricated stories as a means of retaliation against her. Witnessing Philip’s shock and distress was challenging, particularly as he had always held his mother in high regard. Despite Philip’s disbelief, Ross and Evan were sentenced to 25 years in prison. This outcome provided a measure of closure for Howard’s family and friends, yet the reality of what transpired to the sincere and devoted businessman and family man remained a painful truth.
Conclusion
The Howard Pilmar case remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and loss. While the details of the crime continue to intrigue, it’s essential to remember the human cost of such tragedies. This article has sought to respectfully revisit the case, not to sensationalize the crime, but to acknowledge the enduring impact on Philip Pilmar and to honor his privacy. His story, though largely untold, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find healing even in the face of profound loss. We must remember Howard Pilmar not just as a victim, but as a father, husband, and a member of a community deeply impacted by his loss. And we must allow his son, Philip, the space and privacy he needs to continue his journey of healing.
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