A Friend, a lover, a killer (part 1 of 3)
In the quiet town of Wylie, Texas, Betty Gore seemed to have built the kind of life many women dreamed of. A loving husband, a growing family, a close-knit church community—on the surface, it was a picture of stability. But life isn’t always as perfect as it appears, and for Betty, cracks had begun to form long before the summer day that would forever change everything.
A Love Story Begins
Betty Pomeroy was raised in Kansas, a bright and driven young woman who believed in love, faith, and family. She met Allan Gore in college, and from the start, theirs was a relationship built on quiet devotion rather than fiery passion. Allan, a steady and reliable man, seemed to offer Betty the life she wanted: a future of security and partnership.
When they married and moved to Texas, Betty embraced her role as a teacher and, later, a mother. She took pride in her work, but she also struggled with the pressures of domestic life. Allan, though kind and dependable, wasn’t always attuned to Betty’s emotional needs. He loved her, but he was practical—more comfortable in the world of numbers and business trips than navigating the depths of Betty’s anxieties.
A Growing Family, A Growing Distance
The birth of their first daughter, Alisa, was a joyful milestone, but it also brought unexpected challenges. Betty, who had always been sensitive to change, found herself overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. She worried constantly—about being a good mother, about Allan’s long work trips, about the expectations placed upon her as a wife. She longed for reassurance, but Allan, often away for days at a time, didn’t always see how much she needed him.
By the time their second child arrived in the fall of 1979, Betty was deep in the throes of exhaustion. The joy of having another baby was real, but so was the loneliness. Postpartum emotions weighed heavily, and the strain on her marriage became more noticeable.
Betty wanted Allan to see her, to hear her, to understand that she needed more from him. And for Allan, who had always found comfort in routine, it was easier to distract himself with work than confront the growing emotional divide between them.
Candy Montgomery: A Friend, A Neighbor, A Presence
Among the women in Betty’s church circle was Candy Montgomery—a lively, warm, and outgoing woman who always seemed to be at the center of things. Where Betty often felt uncertain and anxious, Candy exuded confidence. She was the kind of woman who could step into a room and instantly make people feel at ease.
Their families became close. The Gores and Montgomerys attended the same Methodist church, socialized at community events, and shared playdates with their kids. Candy and Betty weren’t best friends, but they were friendly.
And then there was Allan.
Candy had grown restless in her own life. Despite the perfect image she projected—devoted wife, doting mother, beloved church member—she longed for something more. A spark. A thrill.
Betty had no idea that Candy had begun to fixate on Allan, seeing in him something that wasn’t even necessarily about him, but about what he represented: a secret, an escape, something different.
A Marriage in Need of Resolution
By the end of 1979, Betty and Allan were at a crossroads. She had convinced him to attend a Marriage Encounter retreat, a program designed to help couples reconnect and strengthen their relationships. Betty, always the one pushing for deeper connection, saw it as a chance to bring them closer.
She needed this to work.
What she didn’t know was that a dangerous game was already in motion—one that would lead to betrayal, heartbreak, and, eventually, unspeakable violence.
For now, though, the stage was set.
A quiet Texas town.
A troubled marriage.
A restless neighbor.
And a collision course no one saw coming.
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Books:
"Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs" by John Bloom and Jim Atkinson. This book offers an in-depth examination of the events leading up to the murder, the trial, and the aftermath.
Television Adaptations:
"A Killing in a Small Town" (1990): A CBS television film based on the case, with names changed. Barbara Hershey portrays a character inspired by Candy Montgomery, earning an Emmy Award for her performance.en.wikipedia.org+1fr.wikipedia.org+1
Articles and Blogs:
"Ultimate Soap Opera: The Bizarre Case of Candy Montgomery (Part 1)" by James Pylant. This article delves into the intricate details of the case, exploring the dynamics of the individuals involved. blog.genealogybank.com
"Neighborhood Connections to the 'Candy' Case" by Preston Hollow Advocate. This piece explores the local ties and community impact surrounding the case. the-sun.com+3prestonhollow.advocatemag.com+3screenrant.com+3
News Coverage:
"Love and Death: The Real Ax Killing Story Behind HBO Show" by WFAA. This article provides an overview of the case and discusses its portrayal in the HBO series "Love & Death." WFAA
"The Killer Housewife: Candy Montgomery Slaughters Betty Gore" by Eagle Nation Online. This piece examines the gruesome details of the case and its impact on the community. Eagle High Newspaper
Documentaries and TV Specials:
"Candy: A Death in Texas": A true-crime documentary that aired on Channel 4, providing an in-depth look into the case. The Times
Online Resources:
Candy Montgomery - Wikipedia: The Wikipedia page offers a comprehensive overview of the case, including background information, trial details, and media portrayals. en.wikipedia.org
"Candy Montgomery - Texas True Crime Blog": This blog post provides an in-depth examination of the case, the trial, and its aftermath.
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