Candy Montgomery
Candy Montgomery
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Candace "Candy" Lynn Montgomery, born Candace Lynn Wheeler on November 15, 1949, is an American woman best known for her role in a shocking true crime story that gripped the nation. Accused of the brutal ax murder of Betty Gore, the wife of her lover Allan Gore, Candy's trial and eventual acquittal sparked immense controversy and fascination, leading to numerous books, documentaries, and television series exploring the events surrounding the crime and its aftermath.
Main Milestones
Birth of Candace Lynn Wheeler
November 15, 1949
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.
Early Adulthood and Marriage
1960s
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.
Affair with Allan Gore
Late 1970s
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.
Termination of Affair with Allan Gore
November 1979
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.
The Murder of Betty Gore
June 13, 1980
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.
Indictment and Trial
1980
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.
Acquittal
October 30, 1980
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.
Life After the Trial
Post-Trial
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.