Background
Candy Montgomery and Betty Gore lived next door in Wylie, Texas. Both were married with children. They met through church and neighborhood events. Rumors of an affair between Montgomery and Allan Gore caused tension.
The Crime
On June 13, 1980, Betty Gore was found in her home. She had sustained multiple axe wounds. The force of the blows was extreme. The attack shocked the local community and drew national attention.
Arrest and Charges
Twelve days later, police arrested Candy Montgomery for first‑degree murder. She admitted using the axe but claimed self‑defense. Prosecutors called her a calculating killer. The defense argued she acted to save her life.
Trial Proceedings
The trial opened in October 1980 in McKinney, Texas. A twelve‑member jury heard eight days of testimony. Medical experts detailed the wounds. Witnesses spoke to Montgomery’s state of mind. The defense alleged Betty Gore attacked first with a knife. The prosecution argued the repeated blows went beyond self‑defense.
Verdict and Public Reaction
After three hours of deliberation, the jury found Montgomery not guilty. Crowds outside the courthouse reportedly jeered her. Gore’s family expressed deep disappointment. Legal commentators debated the verdict’s effect on self‑defense law.
Legacy
The case remains a landmark in domestic violence and self‑defense discussions. It inspired books, documentaries, and a television miniseries. It serves as a cautionary tale about hidden tensions in suburbia.
First United Methodist Church
When Candy and Pat Montgomery moved to Wylie, Texas, they started regularly attending services at the First United Methodist Church in Lucas. It was here that Candy met a local 5th-grade teacher by the name of Betty Gore. Both Betty and Candy sang in the church choir, and their daughters also became friends.
R.C. Dodd Elementary School
CONTINENTAL MOTEL
The Continental Inn was where Candy and Allan initially began their affair. However, Candy later discovered a more affordable option, the Como Motel, which they used as a meeting place instead. The Continental Inn / Motel was razed in 2012 and replaced with several businesses. There is no indication of the property that once stood for over 50 years.
COMO MOTEL
Location:
The Como Motel opened in 1956 as a somewhat quirky, yet futuristic style motel. The motel is what would have greeted many of the new tech workers that were relocating to Richardson. However, it is more recently remembered as one of the two locations that Candy Montgomery, and Allan Gore would secretly meet during their affair. According to Google, the hotel is no longer open. However, when we visited the location in 2023, it appeared to be open but was in a very rundown state.
Montgomery Residence
House where Candy and Pat Montgomery lived. After the attack on Betty, Candy returned to this house to change and wash her clothes.
Allan Gore Workplace
Allan Gore Workplace 2
GORE HOUSE: SCENE OF THE CRIME
Collin County Courthouse
On June 28, 1982, Candy Montgomery stood trial for the murder of Betty Gore. After a trial that lasted until August 17, 1982, she was acquitted of the murder and released.
Betty Gore Grave
