Where Is Pat Montgomery Now? 5 Shocking Facts About Candy Montgomery's Ex-Husband And His Life After The Axe Murder Trial
The name Pat Montgomery has been thrust back into the global spotlight, not due to any recent public appearance, but because of the massive popularity of the true-crime series *Candy* (Hulu) and *Love & Death* (HBO Max). These dramatizations, which aired in 2022 and 2023, respectively, reignited intense public curiosity about the man who stood by his wife, Candace "Candy" Montgomery, after she was acquitted of the brutal 1980 axe murder of her friend, Betty Gore, in Wylie, Texas. The central question remains, even in December 2025: Where is the former electrical engineer now, and what became of his life after one of the most sensational trials in American history?
The true story of the Montgomerys is a chilling portrait of suburban life unraveling in Collin County, Texas. Pat Montgomery’s life was irrevocably altered by the crime, the ensuing media frenzy, and his wife's controversial claim of self-defense. While many figures associated with the case have faded into obscurity, the fascination with Pat’s journey—from a successful engineer at Texas Instruments to the husband of an acquitted killer—endures, driving countless searches for his current whereabouts and personal fate.
Pat Montgomery: A Detailed Biography Profile
The man known primarily as Pat Montgomery, the husband of the infamous Candy Montgomery, led a quiet, conventional life before the 1980 tragedy. Details about his early life are sparse, but his professional career was well-documented.
- Full Name: Pat Montgomery (often referred to as Patrick Montgomery in some records).
- Occupation: Electrical Engineer.
- Employer: Texas Instruments (TI). He was known as one of the company's "brightest young electrical engineers" in the 1970s.
- Spouse: Candace "Candy" Wheeler (married in the early 1970s).
- Children: Two children (a son and a daughter).
- Residence (Pre-1980): Wylie, Collin County, Texas.
- Key Event: Stood by his wife, Candy, during the 1980 murder trial where she was accused of killing Betty Gore with an axe.
- Post-Trial Life: Moved with Candy and their children to Georgia for a fresh start.
- Divorce: Divorced Candy Montgomery (who reverted to her maiden name, Candace Wheeler) approximately four years after the trial.
- Current Status: Private citizen, current whereabouts are largely unknown.
The True Story: Pat Montgomery's Role in the Betty Gore Murder Case
Pat Montgomery’s life was defined by the events surrounding June 13, 1980, the day Betty Gore was struck 41 times with an axe. The true story, as depicted in the books and TV series, paints Pat as a man initially unaware of the emotional turmoil and extramarital affairs that plagued his marriage and the Gore’s.
The Affair and the Aftermath
The motive for the murder was rooted in the breakdown of the suburban facade. Candy Montgomery had engaged in an affair with Betty Gore’s husband, Allan Gore, which had ended months before the killing. On the day of the murder, Candy went to the Gore home to pick up a swimsuit for their daughter. According to Candy’s testimony, Betty confronted her about the affair, leading to a violent struggle that Candy claimed was self-defense.
Standing By His Wife
Throughout the highly publicized trial, Pat Montgomery remained steadfastly supportive of his wife. This public display of loyalty was a major talking point for the media. He testified on her behalf, helping to portray a united front despite the shocking circumstances. The defense team successfully argued that Candy had a dissociative reaction after Betty attacked her with the axe, leading to the frenzied, fatal strikes. The jury ultimately agreed, acquitting Candy of the murder charge.
The acquittal did not bring peace, however. The family was instantly infamous, and the burden of the crime, the trial, and the public scrutiny proved too much for their life in Wylie, Texas. The couple’s decision to leave Texas was a desperate attempt to reclaim a sense of normalcy for themselves and their children.
5 Key Facts About Pat Montgomery's Life After the Trial
While the true-crime series focused heavily on the events leading up to and during the trial, Pat Montgomery’s post-acquittal life holds the most intrigue for curious readers. His intentional retreat from the public eye has made details scarce, but key facts about his life after the Collin County courthouse verdict are known.
1. He Immediately Left Texas for Georgia
To escape the intense scrutiny and judgment of their community, Pat and Candy Montgomery, along with their children, moved to Georgia nearly two years after the trial concluded. This relocation was a clear attempt to start a new life, away from the constant reminders of the Betty Gore case and the subsequent trial that captivated the nation. The move was crucial for their mental health and their children's well-being.
2. He Divorced Candy Montgomery Soon After the Move
Despite the initial united front during the trial, the strain on the Montgomery marriage was irreparable. Pat and Candy divorced just a few years after their relocation to Georgia. The pressure of the murder, the trial, the affair, and the move proved to be a final breaking point. Following the divorce, Candy (now Candace Wheeler) reportedly stayed in Georgia and pursued a career as a family counselor, while Pat’s path became more obscured.
3. His Current Whereabouts Are Unknown and Private
Pat Montgomery has successfully retreated from the public spotlight. Unlike his ex-wife, who has been loosely traced to a career in counseling, Pat’s current whereabouts and activities are not publicly documented in recent years. He is assumed to be living a quiet, private life, likely having changed his name or taken significant measures to avoid media attention. This desire for anonymity is a common outcome for individuals associated with high-profile true-crime events.
4. He Is Not the "Pat Montgomery" Associated with Other Public Figures
The name "Pat Montgomery" is relatively common, leading to confusion with other public figures. For topical authority, it is important to clarify that Candy Montgomery's ex-husband is not:
- Patrick Montgomery (Documentary Producer): A filmmaker and archivist born in 1949.
- Pat Montgomery (Educator): The co-founder of the alternative Clonlara School.
- Robert Patrick "Pat" Montgomery: The individual who passed away in Oshawa, ON, in July 2024.
- Any figure associated with "OnlyFans Leaks": While searches for "Pat Montgomery OnlyFans" exist, the true-crime figure is not connected to adult content creation.
5. His Story Was a Central Focus of the TV Dramas
The renewed interest in Pat Montgomery is directly linked to the success of the recent television series. In *Candy*, Pat was portrayed by actor Timothy Simons, and in *Love & Death*, he was played by Jesse Plemons. These portrayals, which highlighted his quiet, often bewildered support for his wife, have driven a massive wave of LSI keyword searches, including "Pat Montgomery actor" and "Pat Montgomery true story," keeping his name relevant decades later.
The Legacy of Pat Montgomery: A Quest for Normalcy
Pat Montgomery's story is a tragic footnote in the larger narrative of the Betty Gore murder. He was a man whose life was shattered by his wife's actions and the subsequent legal battle. His immediate actions—moving to Georgia and eventually divorcing Candy—were clear steps toward self-preservation and a desperate quest for normalcy for himself and his children.
The fact that he has maintained such a successful level of privacy for over four decades speaks volumes about his desire to leave the events of 1980 behind him. While the public remains curious, fueled by the dramatizations, Pat Montgomery has chosen to live the remainder of his life as a private citizen, successfully escaping the shadow of the axe murder trial that once consumed his world. His current life is a testament to the fact that some true-crime figures, even those central to the story, can eventually find the anonymity they seek.
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