It was a story that shocked their small Texas town, inspiring one television movie in the early 90s (A Killing in a Small Town, starring Barbara Hershey, who won an Emmy for the role)—but today, more than 40 years later, what really happened is still something of a mystery. Here’s what we know about Candy Montgomery, the crime of which she was accused, and where she is today.
Who is Candy Montgomery?
In 1980, Candace “Candy” Montgomery was a 30-year-old housewife living in Wylie, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Her husband, Pat, was an electrical engineer for Texas Instruments. They had two children together. In their book about the incident, Evidence of Love, journalists Jim Atkinson and John Bloom describe Montgomery as “a loving mother, a devoted wife, a churchgoer, and everyone’s friend. And she wasn’t putting on a cynical act. She really was as normal and likable and good as she appeared”–except for the ax-murder part.
What did Candy Montgomery do?
Montgomery was involved in an extramarital affair with Allan Gore, the husband of Montgomery’s friend Betty. According to Atkinson and Bloom, Montgomery initiated the affair out of general boredom, and she and Allan discussed the logistics of sleeping together for months and set ground rules for themselves like “ifthey ever started taking risks that shouldn’t be taken, the affair would end” before setting the “official” date to launch their affair on December 12, 1978. Candy and Allan met at a motel every two weeks for several months before Allan decided to recommit to his wife and family, and the affair ended. The Gore and Montgomery families reportedly remained close. On June 13, 1980, Montgomery dropped by the Gores’ house and was apparently confronted by Betty about the affair. It was a confrontation that ended in Gore’s death. Her body was discovered after Allan, away on a business trip, called on neighbors to check on her since he couldn’t reach her by phone. Betty’s body was found with 41 ax-inflicted wounds. As the last person to see Gore alive, Montgomery was arrested for her murder.
What was Candy Montgomery charged with?
Candy Montgomery was charged with the murder of Betty Gore. She initially denied the charges and was released on bail. The trial was held in October 1980, with Montgomery pleading self-defense. Her lawyer, Don Chowder, argued that Betty attacked Candy with the ax first. The number of blows Betty suffered in exchange was explained by psychiatrist Fred Fason, who put Montgomery under hypnosis and determined that she had experienced a “dissociative reaction” triggered by something Gore said during their struggle, and was unaware of how many times she hit Gore with the ax.
Did Candy Montgomery go to prison?
On October 29, 1980, a jury composed of three men and nine women acquitted Montgomery of murder charges. One of the jury members told the press that the number of ax blows had no impact on their decision: “We determined it never had a bearing on the verdict at all—whether it was one gunshot or 1,000 whacks.”
Where is Candy Montgomery today?
Shortly after the trial, Candy and Pat Montgomery moved to Georgia, but their marriage ended some time after that. Candy still lives in Georgia, where she goes by her maiden name of Wheeler and allegedly works as a therapist.
Where can I watch Candy?
Candy begins streaming on Hulu starting Monday, May 9, with new episodes daily through May 13. Next, Have Some Time to Kill? These Are the 30 Best True Crime Docs
