The quiet town of Kingston, New York, found itself at the center of a scandalous murder case—one involving a respected dentist, a fatal sedative, and a secret affair. When Linda Kolman discovered her husband, Tom, dead in his parked car in November 2011, she had no idea the trail of suspicion would eventually lead to his best friend, Dr. Gilberto Nunez.
From fake CIA letters to emotional betrayal, this case blurred the line between truth and manipulation. Let’s explore seven twisted truths about the Gilberto Nunez murder trial—one of the most bizarre courtroom dramas in recent memory.
The Victim Trusted His Alleged Killer
Tom Kolman died under suspicious circumstances—reclined in his car, pants undone, outside a local gym. At first, no one suspected foul play. But investigators soon focused on someone close to him: his best friend, Dr. Gilberto Nunez.
Their bond ran deep. Tom often referred to Nunez as “the best friend he ever had,” even after discovering that Nunez had been having an affair with his wife, Linda. That complicated friendship, investigators alleged, provided the perfect cover for murder.
An Affair Triggered a Fatal Obsession
Nunez and Linda’s relationship began innocently—bonding over their children’s karate classes. But as the affair deepened, so did Nunez’s obsession. When Tom learned about the relationship, instead of backing away, Nunez stayed close to both of them, creating a strange triangle that only grew more toxic.
Prosecutors argued that Nunez couldn’t let go. He allegedly manipulated Linda, planted messages to break up her marriage, and—when emotional tactics failed—resorted to poison.
Fake CIA Documents Played a Central Role
The web of deceit didn’t end with secret texts. Nunez claimed to have connections to the CIA and even forged an agency letter, advising Linda to forgive Tom for supposed infidelities. He went as far as impersonating his own mother in emails begging Linda to leave her husband.
In court, these fabrications became key evidence, showing a man willing to cross any line to achieve his goal. The forged CIA letter led to a separate conviction for forgery, independent of the murder charge.
The Medical Evidence Raised Major Doubts
Toxicology eventually revealed traces of Midazolam, a strong sedative, in Tom’s body—specifically in his eye tissue. Prosecutors claimed that Nunez, a dentist with access to the drug, slipped it into Tom’s coffee, staged the car scene, and used Tom’s sleep apnea against him to cause death silently.
However, the defense countered with medical experts who argued the amount of Midazolam wasn’t lethal. They also pointed out that Tom had a severely enlarged heart, suggesting natural causes as a more likely explanation.
Prosecutors Built a Compelling, Yet Circumstantial Case
While no one saw Nunez commit the crime, prosecutors built their argument through a series of troubling coincidences. Surveillance allegedly placed Nunez’s car near the gym. Google searches for Midazolam appeared on his computer. Two vials of the drug sat in his dental emergency kit.
Still, the case lacked a smoking gun. Nunez didn’t confess, there was no murder weapon, and expert opinions clashed. That lack of definitive proof left room for reasonable doubt.
The Verdict Surprised the Public
After two tense weeks of testimony, the jury delivered a mixed result. They acquitted Nunez of murder in June 2016, deciding that the circumstantial evidence didn’t meet the legal standard.
However, they convicted him of felony forgery, based on the fake CIA documents. That led to prison time—and the unraveling of Nunez’s carefully crafted professional image.
His Life Changed Forever, But Justice Remains Debated
Nunez ultimately served 19 months in prison and lost his dental license permanently. He now lives a much quieter life, remarried and off the public radar. Meanwhile, the Kolman family still wonders: Did a murderer walk free, or did prosecutors chase a narrative that didn’t hold up under scrutiny?
This case still divides public opinion. What began as a love affair ended with shattered lives, an unexplained death, and a man who may have escaped the harshest consequences.
FAQs About the Gilberto Nunez Murder Trial
Who was Gilberto Nunez?
A New York dentist accused of murdering his best friend, Tom Kolman, after engaging in an affair with Kolman’s wife, Linda.
Was he convicted of murder?
No. In 2016, a jury acquitted Nunez of second-degree murder but found him guilty of felony forgery for faking CIA documents.
What evidence did prosecutors present?
They cited traces of Midazolam in Tom’s body, Nunez’s possession of the drug, suspicious online searches, and fabricated CIA letters.
Why was there reasonable doubt?
Medical experts testified that Tom’s heart condition could have caused a natural death, and the Midazolam level wasn’t conclusively fatal.
What sentence did Nunez receive?
For forgery and related charges, he received a prison sentence of 2⅓ to 7 years. He served 19 months before being released in 2018.
What is Gilberto Nunez doing now?
After release, he remarried. His dental license was revoked, and his current whereabouts remain largely private.