4 Shocking Revelations About Candy Montgomery: The Axe Murderer Who Became A Counselor

The chilling true crime story of Candy Montgomery remains one of the most sensational and debated cases in modern American history, gaining renewed attention in recent years through major television adaptations. It has been over four decades since the shocking 1980 axe murder of Betty Gore, and the central figure, Candace "Candy" Montgomery, has largely vanished from the public eye, but her current life and surprising career path continue to fuel intense public curiosity as of late 2025. This article dives deep into the timeline of events, the controversial trial, and the latest known details of where the Texas housewife is now. The case involves a seemingly picture-perfect suburban life in Wylie, Texas, that was shattered by a brutal act of violence and a secret affair between two church friends. The sheer savagery of the crime—41 axe blows—contrasted sharply with the image of the seemingly demure, churchgoing woman who stood accused, leading to a legal defense that hinged on a claim of self-defense and a dissociative state.

The Life and Infamous Crime of Candace Lynn Montgomery

Candace Lynn Wheeler, known as Candy, was born on November 15, 1949. She was a typical suburban mother and housewife in Wylie, Texas, married to electrical engineer Pat Montgomery. They had two children and were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Lucas, Collin County.

Key Biographical and Case Profile

• Full Name: Candace "Candy" Lynn Montgomery (née Wheeler)
• Born: November 15, 1949
• Spouse: Pat Montgomery (divorced after the trial)
• Children: Two (a son and a daughter)
• Victim: Betty Gore (June 13, 1980)
• Victim's Husband/Lover: Allan Gore
• Location of Crime: Wylie, Texas
• Weapon: Axe (used 41 times)
• Legal Outcome: Acquitted (Found Not Guilty) on October 29, 1980
• Current Status (Reported): Living in Georgia, working as a mental health counselor under her maiden name, Candace Wheeler.

The tragic events of June 13, 1980, began with a confrontation between Candy and her friend, Betty Gore, the wife of Candy's former lover, Allan Gore. Candy had gone to the Gore home to pick up a swimsuit for Betty’s daughter. During the visit, Betty confronted Candy about the affair, which had ended months earlier. The defense argued that Betty, enraged, first threatened Candy with an axe. Candy claimed she managed to wrestle the weapon away, but during the ensuing struggle, Betty shushed her, triggering a repressed traumatic memory from Candy's childhood. This alleged dissociative state, according to the defense team, led to the frenzied, defensive attack that resulted in Betty Gore’s death from 41 brutal axe wounds.

The Controversial Trial and Shocking Acquittal

The murder trial, which began in October 1980 in McKinney, Texas, captivated the nation. The prosecution argued that the sheer number of blows—41—proved premeditated malice, not self-defense. They contended that no reasonable person acting solely in self-defense would inflict such a horrific level of violence.

The Self-Defense Strategy

Candy Montgomery's legal team, led by Don Crowder, focused heavily on the concept of self-defense, bolstered by psychiatric testimony. Dr. Fred Fason, a psychiatrist, testified that the confrontation with Betty Gore triggered a "dissociative reaction" in Candy.

• The defense claimed Betty Gore initiated the attack with the axe.
• Psychiatric testimony suggested Candy entered a fugue state after Betty "shushed" her, connecting the sound to childhood trauma.
• The jury ultimately accepted the self-defense plea, believing Candy's testimony that she feared for her life.

On October 29, 1980, after only a few hours of deliberation, a jury of three men and nine women found Candy Montgomery not guilty of the murder of Betty Gore. The verdict sent shockwaves through the community and the country, with many struggling to reconcile the acquittal with the gruesome nature of the crime.

Where is Candy Montgomery Now? The Surprising New Life as a Counselor

Following the controversial trial, Candy Montgomery sought to escape the relentless public scrutiny and "be normal again," as she reportedly told The Dallas Morning News. Her life took a dramatic turn immediately after the acquittal.

Relocation and Divorce

Shortly after the trial concluded, Candy and her husband, Pat Montgomery, moved their family out of Wylie, Texas, and relocated to Georgia. The couple later separated and divorced. Candy has since maintained a very low profile, changing her name to use her maiden name professionally to avoid recognition.

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A Career in Mental Health

Perhaps the most shocking revelation about Candy Montgomery's post-acquittal life is her chosen career path. According to multiple reports, Candy returned to school and became a certified family counselor and mental health worker. She is believed to be living in Georgia and working in this field under the name Candace Wheeler.

The irony of an individual acquitted of a brutal axe murder—a case involving intense psychological and emotional factors—later working as a counselor has been widely noted in true crime circles and media coverage. Now in her mid-70s, Candace Wheeler continues to live a quiet life, decades removed from the sensational 1980 murder that defined her public identity.

The Enduring Legacy and Media Obsession

The story of Candy Montgomery and Betty Gore continues to fascinate the public, fueled by the complex dynamics of suburban life, infidelity, and violence. The renewed interest in the 2020s has been largely driven by two major television series, both of which brought the case to a new generation of true crime enthusiasts:

• Candy (Hulu): A 2022 limited series starring Jessica Biel as Candy Montgomery.
• Love & Death (HBO Max): A 2023 limited series starring Elizabeth Olsen as Candy Montgomery.

These adaptations have ensured that the details of the Wylie, Texas tragedy—the affair with Allan Gore, the confrontation, the 41 axe blows, and the self-defense verdict—remain a constant topic of discussion. The case serves as a dark reminder of the secrets that can lie beneath a seemingly perfect suburban facade, and the enduring questions surrounding the psychological state of the accused and the controversial nature of the verdict continue to keep the Candy Montgomery story alive in the public consciousness.

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