Where the Real ‘Candy’ Murder Took Place

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

Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

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.

Image Taken From: 750 W Lucas Rd, Lucas, TX 75002, USA

Latitude: 33.0856979 Longitude: -96.58777649999999

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R.C. Dodd Elementary School

School / Campus Limited Access Drive up

Betty Gore was employed at RC Dodd Elementary School for approximately four years, and she was working there at the time of her death. 

Image Taken From: 1500 Park Blvd, Wylie, TX 75098, USA

Latitude: 33.0317884 Longitude: -96.56582829999999

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CONTINENTAL MOTEL

Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

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.

Image Taken From: 758 S Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080, USA

Latitude: 32.942744 Longitude: -96.7432869

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COMO MOTEL

Location: 

Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

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.

Image Taken From: 721 S Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080, USA

Latitude: 32.9447524 Longitude: -96.73919409999999

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Montgomery Residence

Residence Private – View From Public Area Takes a bit of work to get to

House where Candy and Pat Montgomery lived. After the attack on Betty, Candy returned to this house to change and wash her clothes. 

Image Taken From: 1241 Arroyo Blanco St, Fairview, TX 75069, USA

Latitude: 33.1458072 Longitude: -96.60318009999999

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Allan Gore Workplace

Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

When Allan worked here during his time of employment with Rockwell.

Image Taken From: 1201 N Bowser Rd, Richardson, TX 75081, USA

Latitude: 32.9631126 Longitude: -96.71472209999999

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Allan Gore Workplace 2

Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

ECS Communications was located here. Allan worked here after leaving Rockwell

Image Taken From: 600 N Glenville Dr, Richardson, TX 75081, USA

Latitude: 32.9559538 Longitude: -96.7047772

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GORE HOUSE: SCENE OF THE CRIME

Residence Private – View From Public Area Drive up

House of Allan and Betty Gore. It was here that on the June 13, 1980 that Candy Montgomery killed Betty Gore with an Axe

Image Taken From: 410 Dogwood Dr, Wylie, TX 75098, USA

Latitude: 33.0085474 Longitude: -96.53203189999999

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Collin County Courthouse

Historic / Notable Site Public Drive up

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.

Image Taken From: 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069, USA

Latitude: 33.1976438 Longitude: -96.61546880000002

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Betty Gore Grave

Grave / Memorial Public Easy walk

Betty was returned to Kansas and laid to rest at Upchurch Cemetery.nLocation: (Row U, Lot 20)

Image Taken From: 14407 SE 120 St, Norwich, KS 67118, USA

Latitude: 37.4731085 Longitude: -97.87250019999999

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