Candace Wheeler's Quiet Life After High-Profile Acquittal
Candace Wheeler, previously known as Candy Montgomery, leads a secluded existence far from public scrutiny in Georgia, United States. Following her acquittal in 1980 for the murder of Betty Gore in Wylie, Texas, she relocated to Georgia with her then-husband, Pat Montgomery. Over the years, she has pursued a career in mental health counseling, specializing in family support and issues like anxiety and grief, often working under her maiden name, Wheeler.
Where Is Candace Wheeler Today?
As of 2025, Candace Wheeler is believed to reside in Georgia, maintaining a low profile and rarely engaging with the media. After the trial, she and Pat Montgomery moved to Georgia to start anew, but their marriage eventually ended in divorce. She reverted to her maiden name and focused on her education, training as a counselor. Despite renewed interest from television dramas such as Candy and Love & Death, she has declined interviews and avoided public discussions about her past.
What Happened in the Betty Gore Case?
In 1980, Candace Wheeler was charged with the murder of her friend, Betty Gore, in a case that captivated national attention due to its violent nature in a suburban Texas community. During the trial, Wheeler testified that Gore attacked her with an axe, and she acted in self-defense. The jury accepted her account, leading to her acquittal on October 30, 1980. This verdict allowed her to avoid prison time and rebuild her life away from the spotlight.
Pat Montgomery's Current Whereabouts
Pat Montgomery supported Candace throughout the trial and moved with her to Georgia after the acquittal. However, their marriage dissolved a few years later, and he has since chosen to live privately, with no public information available about his remarriage or current activities. Like Wheeler, he has avoided media attention, keeping details of his life out of the public eye.
Is Candace Wheeler Still Alive?
Yes, Candace Wheeler is reportedly alive and well, living in Georgia. Born on November 15, 1949, she is 76 years old as of March 2026. She continues to work as a mental health counselor, assisting individuals with personal challenges, and has maintained her privacy despite occasional media inquiries.
Key Facts About Candace Wheeler
- Full Name: Candace Lynn Wheeler
- Date of Birth: November 15, 1949
- Age: 76 years old (as of 2026)
- Current Residence: Georgia, United States
- Profession: Mental health counselor
- Marital Status: Divorced from Pat Montgomery
- Children: Two, with her daughter reportedly also working as a counselor
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Candace Wheeler remarry? It is unknown if she remarried after her divorce from Pat Montgomery, as she has kept her personal life private.
Did she serve jail time? No, she was acquitted of murder charges in 1980 and never served prison time.
What happened to her children? Her two children were raised in Georgia, with her daughter reportedly following in her footsteps as a counselor.
Why was she acquitted? The jury believed she acted in self-defense after Betty Gore attacked her with an axe.
Who was her defense lawyer? Don Crowder, who had no prior criminal law experience, successfully defended her but later faced personal struggles and died by suicide in 1998.
What happened to Betty Gore's husband? Allan Gore remarried after Betty's death, later divorced, lost custody of his daughters but reconnected with them, and now lives retired in Sarasota, Florida.
Candace Wheeler's story highlights a transition from a notorious legal battle to a peaceful, service-oriented life, emphasizing her commitment to privacy and helping others through counseling.
