Candy Montgomery was a stay-at-home mom and church leader in Wylie, Texas, who seemed to have it all. However, on a hot summer night in 1980, she brutally murdered her friend Betty Gore with an axe. This shocking crime and its aftermath became the basis for the new HBO series, “Love and Death.” In this article, we’ll explore the true story of Candy Montgomery and the events that led up to her heinous act.
Early Life and Marriage
Candy Montgomery was born in 1950 in San Antonio, Texas. She grew up in a conservative Christian household and attended Texas A&M University. There, she met her future husband, Pat Montgomery, a football player at the school. The two married in 1971 and eventually settled in Wylie, a suburb of Dallas.
The Affair
In the late 1970s, Candy began an affair with Allan Gore, a family friend and church member. Despite being married to other people, the two continued their relationship for several years, sneaking around and lying to their spouses. Eventually, Candy’s guilt over the affair began to eat away at her, and she confided in her close friend, Betty Gore.
The Murder
On June 13, 1980, Candy went to Betty’s house to talk about her feelings of guilt and remorse. However, their conversation quickly turned heated, and Candy grabbed an axe and attacked Betty, killing her. Candy claimed that Betty had attacked her first, but the evidence showed that this was not the case. She was eventually charged with murder and stood trial in 1981.
The Trial and Aftermath
During the trial, Candy’s defense team painted her as a victim of Betty’s rage and portrayed the murder as a case of self-defense. However, the prosecution argued that Candy had planned the murder in advance and had even brought the axe with her to Betty’s house. In the end, the jury found Candy guilty of murder and sentenced her to life in prison.
The Impact
The murder of Betty Gore had a profound impact on the small town of Wylie, Texas, and on those who knew the Montgomerys and the Gores. It also sparked a national conversation about infidelity and the dangers of repressed emotions. The story has been told and retold in books, podcasts, and now, in the new HBO series, “Love and Death.”
Conclusion
The true story of Candy Montgomery and the murder of Betty Gore is a tragic tale that has captivated audiences for decades. While we may never know exactly what happened that fateful night, we can learn from the events that led up to the crime and the aftermath that followed. “Love and Death” offers a glimpse into the lives of these two women and the people who loved them, reminding us of the importance of honesty, communication, and forgiveness.
FAQs
- Did Candy Montgomery ever show remorse for her actions?
- Candy has maintained her innocence and has never shown remorse for the murder of Betty Gore.
- What happened to Allan Gore, Candy’s lover?
- Allan Gore was never charged in connection with the murder and continues to live a private life.
- Has anyone ever tried to appeal Candy’s conviction?
- Candy has had several appeals over the years, but all have been denied.
- What impact did the murder have on the town of Wylie?
- The murder and subsequent trial had a profound impact on the town of Wylie, Texas, and on those who knew the Montgomerys and the Gores.
- How accurate is the new HBO series, “Love and Death,” to the real story?
- While the series is based on the true story, while the series is based on the true story, it is important to note that certain events and characters may have been dramatized for the sake of entertainment.
