Candace Lynn Wheeler was born in Lucas, Ohio. Little is publicly known about her early childhood, but it laid the foundation for the woman who would later become embroiled in one of Texas' most infamous murder cases. Her upbringing undoubtedly shaped her personality and coping mechanisms, factors that would be scrutinized intensely during her trial.

Candy married Pat Montgomery, an electrical engineer, and they eventually moved to Collin County, Texas. They built a comfortable suburban life, becoming active members of the Methodist Church and raising two children. This period represents a seemingly idyllic existence that would soon be shattered by hidden desires and tragic consequences.

Feeling bored and restless in her marriage, Candy Montgomery initiated an affair with Allan Gore, the husband of her friend Betty Gore, whom she met at church. This affair, conducted with a level of methodical planning and emotional detachment on Candy's part, serves as the catalyst for the events that would lead to Betty's death.

Allan Gore, burdened by guilt and seeking to reconcile with his wife, ended the affair with Candy Montgomery. This decision, while intended to restore his marriage, arguably intensified the emotional tension and resentment that ultimately erupted in violence months later.

On June 13, 1980, Betty Gore was found dead in her Wylie, Texas, home, brutally murdered with an ax. Candy Montgomery quickly became a suspect, and her initial alibi crumbled under police scrutiny, setting the stage for a sensational trial.

Candy Montgomery was indicted for the murder of Betty Gore. The trial captivated the nation, focusing on Candy's claim of self-defense. Under hypnosis, she recalled repressed memories of Betty confronting her about the affair and attacking her with the ax first. Her defense team successfully argued that she acted in self-defense, triggered by a dissociative episode.

After a relatively short deliberation, the jury found Candy Montgomery not guilty of murder. The verdict shocked many, sparking outrage and disbelief in the community. The acquittal cemented the case as one of the most controversial in Texas history, raising questions about justice, self-defense, and the complexities of human relationships.

Following her acquittal, Candy Montgomery faced immense public scrutiny and social ostracism. She and her husband, Pat, reportedly moved to Georgia shortly after the trial. They later divorced. Candy worked in different states using her maiden name. Her post-trial life has been relatively private, although the enduring fascination with her case means she can never fully escape its shadow.