Candy Montgomery was a seemingly ordinary housewife living in Wylie, Texas in the 1980s. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she was accused of brutally murdering her friend and neighbor, Betty Gore, with an axe. The case gained national attention and became known as the “Wylie Axe Murder.”
In this article, we will delve into the story of Candy Montgomery, the events leading up to the murder, and the aftermath that followed.
Who is Candy Montgomery?
Candy Montgomery, born Candy Rogers, was a 28-year-old housewife and mother of two living in Wylie, Texas. She was described as a friendly and outgoing woman who was well-liked by her neighbors and community.
She was married to Pat Montgomery, a successful businessman, and they had two children together. Candy was also an active member of her church and was known for her involvement in various community activities.
The Events Leading Up to the Murder
On June 13, 1980, Candy Montgomery went to her friend Betty Gore’s house to drop off some church materials. Betty’s husband, Allan Gore, was out of town on a business trip, and Candy and Betty were planning to spend the evening together.
However, things took a dark turn when Candy claimed that Betty attacked her with a pickaxe. In self-defense, Candy grabbed the axe and struck Betty multiple times, killing her.
Candy then called her husband and the police, claiming that she had killed Betty in self-defense. The police arrived at the scene and found Betty’s body in a pool of blood with multiple axe wounds.
The Trial and Verdict
The murder trial of Candy Montgomery gained national attention and was heavily covered by the media. The prosecution argued that Candy had planned the murder and that it was not an act of self-defense.
They presented evidence that Candy had been having an affair with Allan Gore, Betty’s husband, and that she had planned to kill Betty to be with him. The defense argued that Candy had acted in self-defense and that she had been a victim of domestic abuse.
After a lengthy trial, the jury found Candy Montgomery not guilty of murder. The verdict shocked many, and the case continued to be a topic of controversy and speculation.
The Aftermath
The Wylie Axe Murder case had a lasting impact on the small town of Wylie, Texas. The community was divided, with some believing in Candy’s innocence and others convinced of her guilt.
Candy and her family faced backlash and were forced to move out of Wylie due to the negative attention and threats they received. She also faced financial struggles and had difficulty finding employment due to her notoriety.
In 1983, Candy and her husband divorced, and she remarried a few years later. She has since stayed out of the public eye and has maintained her innocence in the murder of Betty Gore.
The Legacy of the Wylie Axe Murder
The Wylie Axe Murder case remains a topic of fascination and debate to this day. It has been the subject of books, documentaries, and even a made-for-TV movie.
The case also sparked discussions about domestic violence and the use of the “battered woman defense” in court. Many have questioned whether Candy Montgomery truly acted in self-defense or if she was a victim of domestic abuse.
Conclusion
The story of Candy Montgomery is a tragic and controversial one. It continues to captivate the public’s attention and raises questions about the justice system and the complexities of human behavior.
Whether Candy Montgomery was a victim or a murderer is a question that may never be fully answered. However, the Wylie Axe Murder will always be a part of the town’s history and a reminder of the dark side of human nature.
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