5 Shocking Facts About Pat Montgomery: The Man Who Stood By Axe Murderer Candy Montgomery

As of December 2025, the name Pat Montgomery is inextricably linked to one of the most sensational true crime cases in American history: the 1980 axe murder of Betty Gore by his then-wife, Candy Montgomery. The public's fascination with the quiet, seemingly oblivious husband of the accused killer has seen a massive resurgence following the release of two major television adaptations, Hulu's *Candy* and HBO Max's *Love & Death*, prompting a critical question: what became of the man who stood by his wife through a shocking murder trial? Pat Montgomery, an engineer and a father, found his life completely upended by the scandal that rocked the suburban tranquility of Wylie, Texas. His decision to support Candy Montgomery, who struck her neighbor 41 times with an axe, remains a point of intense curiosity, leading to a life lived in complete obscurity after the trial.

Pat Montgomery: A Profile Before the Scandal

The story of Pat Montgomery begins long before the infamous murder that defined his legacy. He was an electrical engineer at Texas Instruments, a professional in a burgeoning field who, alongside his wife Candace "Candy" Montgomery, sought the quintessential American dream in the rapidly growing suburbs of Collin County, Texas. Pat and Candy were pillars of the community at the time, active members of the Lucas Methodist Church and involved in local social circles. They shared two children, a son and a daughter, and their life in Wylie, Texas, appeared to be one of stability and success. Pat Montgomery's role in the true crime narrative is complex. He was married to Candy when she began an affair with Allan Gore, the husband of the victim, Betty Gore. Pat was reportedly aware of his wife's unhappiness and even agreed to a set of "rules" for the affair, believing it would help their marriage. This passive acceptance paints a picture of a man who prioritized the stability of his family unit above all else, a decision that would later be scrutinized globally.

The Aftermath: Standing By Candy During the Trial

The murder of Betty Gore on June 13, 1980, instantly shattered the Montgomery family's suburban facade. When Candy was arrested, Pat Montgomery made the controversial decision to stand by her side throughout the entire legal process. His support was unwavering, even as the details of Candy's affair with Allan Gore and the brutal nature of the killing became public knowledge. Pat's presence in the courtroom was a constant, providing a visual demonstration of a united front. The defense, led by attorney Don Crowder, argued that Candy acted in self-defense after Betty Gore confronted her about the affair and threatened her with the weapon. The jury ultimately accepted the self-defense plea, and Candy was acquitted of the first-degree murder charge on October 30, 1980. The public reaction to the acquittal was one of outrage and disbelief, especially in the tight-knit community of Wylie. Pat Montgomery, having supported his wife through the sensational trial, became a target of the intense media scrutiny and community judgment. The pressure of the case and the subsequent public shaming made remaining in Texas untenable for the family. Following the acquittal, Pat and Candy, along with their children, quickly relocated to Georgia in an attempt to start a new life away from the spotlight.

Where is Pat Montgomery Now? A Life in Obscurity

The question of "Where is Pat Montgomery now?" is the most common query, and the answer is that he successfully retreated into a life of complete privacy. The move to Georgia was an attempt to regain a sense of normalcy, but the trauma of the 1980 incident proved too great to overcome. Despite Pat's loyalty during the trial, the couple’s marriage did not survive the long-term strain of the scandal. Pat and Candy Montgomery divorced approximately four years after the trial, around 1986. This official separation was a quiet end to their tumultuous relationship, confirmed by reports from *The Dallas Morning News* and other outlets. Following the divorce, Pat Montgomery completely disappeared from the public record. Unlike his ex-wife, Candy (who reportedly began using her maiden name, Candace Wheeler, and worked as a family counselor), Pat has meticulously avoided any public attention. His current whereabouts are unknown, which is a testament to his desire for a life free from the association with the axe murder case. The entities surrounding Pat Montgomery's life are a grim reminder of the 1980 tragedy:

• Candy Montgomery (Candace Wheeler): Pat's ex-wife, the acquitted killer.
• Betty Gore: The victim, struck 41 times with an axe.
• Allan Gore: Betty's husband and Candy's former lover.
• Wylie, Texas: The small town where the murder took place.
• Collin County: The jurisdiction where the controversial trial was held.
• Alisa and Bethany Gore: Betty and Allan's two daughters.
• Don Crowder: Candy’s defense attorney.
• Texas Instruments: Pat's place of employment.
• Lucas Methodist Church: The church community shared by both families.

The Legacy of Silence and the True Crime Resurgence

Pat Montgomery’s story is one of a man who lost everything—his marriage, his home, his community—not because of his own direct actions, but because of the horrific actions of his wife. His silence is perhaps his most powerful statement. He has never sold his story, given a major interview, or sought to capitalize on the sensationalism of the case, suggesting a genuine desire for peace. The renewed interest in the case, fueled by the streaming series *Candy* (starring Jessica Biel) and *Love & Death* (starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons as Allan Gore), has brought the 1980 events back to the forefront of the cultural conversation. These adaptations force a new generation to grapple with the complexities of the case, including the role of Pat Montgomery. The portrayal of Pat (played by Timothy Simons and Patrick Fugit in the series) often focuses on his quiet demeanor and his apparent willingness to overlook his wife's infidelity, which many viewers find baffling. This renewed focus solidifies his status as a key, albeit silent, figure in the true crime genre.

Other Notable Figures Named Pat Montgomery

While the true crime figure dominates the search results, it is important for topical authority to note that "Pat Montgomery" or "Patrick Montgomery" is a name shared by several other notable individuals. For instance, a Canadian hockey player named Pat Montgomery, who played for the Oshawa Generals, sadly passed away in July 2024 at the age of 41. Separately, a Colorado man named Patrick Montgomery was sentenced to 37 months in prison in 2023 for assaulting law enforcement during the January 6th Capitol riot. There is also a documentary producer/archivist named Patrick Montgomery. However, none of these figures command the same level of enduring, global curiosity as the man who was married to the infamous "Axe Murderer" of Wylie, Texas. Pat Montgomery's intentional disappearance from public life is the final chapter of his story. He is a man who chose anonymity over infamy, and in doing so, he achieved the only peace available to him after the brutal and shocking events of 1980. His current life, wherever it is, is a testament to the fact that some people, after experiencing a national tragedy, simply want to be forgotten.