Who is Don Crowder? Wikipedia, BIO, Age, Spouse, Parents, Kids & Facts About Candy Montgomery’s Lawyer

Don Crowder was a prominent lawyer who played a crucial role in one of the most sensational murder cases in Texas history. He was the defense attorney for Candy Montgomery, a woman who killed her friend Betty Gore with an axe in 1980. Crowder’s strategy was to argue that Montgomery acted in self-defense after Gore attacked her with the axe.

He also exposed the affair that Montgomery had with Gore’s husband, Allan, and suggested that Betty was mentally unstable and jealous. Crowder’s skillful representation of Montgomery resulted in her acquittal by the jury, despite the overwhelming evidence against her. Crowder’s involvement in the case made him a controversial figure in the legal community and the public eye.

Don Crowder Wiki, Biography and Birthplace

Don Crowder was born on 25 Oct 1942 in Dallas County, Texas, USA. He grew up in a middle-class family and attended Highland Park High School.

He was interested in law and politics from a young age and participated in debate and mock trial competitions. He graduated from high school in 1958 and enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU) to study political science.

Biodata

Career and achievements

Don Crowder graduated from SMU in 1962 and then attended SMU Law School. He graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1965 and joined the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor. He worked there for six years and handled several high-profile cases, including the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby.

In 1971, he left the DA’s office and started his own private practice. He specialized in criminal defense and civil litigation. He became known for his skillful and aggressive representation of his clients. He also taught law courses at SMU and served as a board member of the Dallas Bar Association.

One of his most famous cases was the defense of Candy Montgomery, who killed her friend Betty Gore with an ax in Wylie, Texas in 1980. Montgomery claimed that she acted in self-defense after Gore attacked her with the ax during a confrontation over their affair with Gore’s husband. Crowder argued that Montgomery suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and battered woman syndrome and that she did not intend to kill Gore. The jury acquitted Montgomery of murder after deliberating for three hours.

Crowder continued to practice law until his retirement in 2017. He was respected and admired by his colleagues and peers for his professionalism and integrity. He received several awards and honors for his service to the legal community, including the Dallas Bar Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year Award in 1984 and the SMU Law School’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992.

Family and personal life

Don Crowder married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Ann Smith, in 1961. They had three children: Don Jr., David, and Jennifer. They also had seven grandchildren. Crowder was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was also an avid golfer and traveler.

Death and Suicide

Don Crowder was a prominent lawyer in Collin County, Texas, who became famous for defending Candy Montgomery, a housewife accused of murdering her friend Betty Gore with an axe in 1980. Crowder, who was a civil law attorney and a fellow church member of Montgomery, took on her case as his first criminal trial and managed to secure a not-guilty verdict by arguing self-defense.

However, the controversial outcome of the trial and the public backlash against Montgomery and Crowder took a toll on his personal and professional life. He ran for governor in 1986 but failed to win the election.

He continued to work as a city attorney for Allen until 1998 when he committed suicide at the age of 54. He was found dead in his home on November 10, 1998, with a gunshot wound to his head. He left behind a wife and two children. His death shocked and saddened many people who knew him as a passionate and tenacious advocate for his clients.

Don Crowder’s Married Life, Wife & Kids

Don Crowder, was an accomplished individual, had two significant women in his life. His second wife, whom he sadly left behind after her passing, was named Sheri. Don’s first wife was Donna Carol Parker. Tragically, their daughter, Wendy Leigh Crowder, passed away at the tender age of only one year.

Don’s journey through life involved building meaningful relationships and experiencing the joys and sorrows that come with them. While the details of his relationships and family life are not extensively known, the presence of Sheri as his second wife and Wendy Leigh Crowder as their child highlights the significance of these relationships.

The loss of their daughter at such a young age must have been a deeply heartbreaking experience for Don and Donna. The pain and grief associated with losing a child are immeasurable, and it is a tragedy that no parent should have to endure.

Family

Don Crowder, an individual with deep family roots, had a loving and supportive family. His father, Alton Dowe Crowder Sr., played a significant role in his life until his passing in 1999. Likewise, Don’s mother, Tynie Eudauxie Greer Crowder, provided him with love and care until her own demise in 2005. The loss of his father and mother must have been a profound sorrow for Don, as they were undoubtedly pillars of strength and guidance in his life.

In addition to his parents, Don had siblings with whom he shared a close bond. One of his brothers, Barry Wade Crowder, unfortunately, passed away in 1997. The loss of a sibling can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience, leaving a lasting impact on the surviving family members.

While specific details about Crowder’s family life beyond his parents and brother are not widely known, it is evident that family played a vital role in shaping his character and providing him with a sense of belonging and support.

The passing of loved ones is a natural part of life’s journey, and the grief that accompanies such losses can be profound. However, it is also a testament to the enduring bonds of love and the cherished memories shared within a family.

Crowder’s family, including his father Alton Dowe Crowder Sr., mother Tynie Eudauxie Greer Crowder, and brother Barry Wade Crowder, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on his life. Their love, guidance, and presence continue to live on in his memory and the memories of those who knew them.

Family is often the foundation upon which individuals build their lives, and the experiences and relationships formed within a family shape one’s values, aspirations, and outlook on life. It is through the support and love of family th at individuals like Don are able to navigate life’s challenges and find strength in the face of adversity.

While the pain of loss may linger, the legacy of Don Crowder’s family lives on through cherished memories, shared experiences, and the love that transcends time. Their presence, even in their absence, is a reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the profound impact they have on our lives.

Trivia/Facts

1. Candy Montgomery pleaded self-defense in Betty Gore’s murder.
2. He was a man from Candy’s church and took on her defense.
3. Crowder’s defense strategy focused on presenting Candy Montgomery as a victim of abuse and arguing that she acted in self-defense.
4. Following the trial, Candy Montgomery was acquitted by a jury in a surprising twist.
5. Crowder’s story ended in tragedy when he died by suicide on November 10, 1998.
6. It has been suggested that the failure of his business and the death of his brother contributed to Crowder’s declining mental health.
7. Crowder’s mental health was greatly affected by his business failure.
8. Crowder’s brother, Barry, died in a tragic accident in 1997, which further disheartened him.
9. Don Crowder’s death by suicide occurred after the death of his brother and the impact of his business failure.
10. The circumstances surrounding Crowder’s death were devastating for those who knew him and were connected to the case.
11. Crowder’s tragic death marked a somber end to his involvement in the high-profile murder trial.