Kriti Mehrotra
If there’s one thing absolutely nobody can deny, it’s that the brutal 1980 homicide of Betty Gore is one of the most infamous cases to ever come out of Texas considering its accused walked away free. This much has actually even been explored in Hulu’s ‘Candy’ and HBO Max’s ‘Love & Death’ both of which really delve deep into the way Candace Lynn Montgomery struck her 41 times with an axe. Yet for now, if you simply wish to learn more about then-deputy sheriff Steve Deffibaugh — with a specific focus on his background as well as current standing — we’ve got the necessary details for you.
Who is Steve Deffibaugh?
It was reportedly back when Steve was just a young kid growing up in Borger, Texas, that he first developed a passion for his community and people, only for it to continue expanding as the years passed. Therefore, of course, he enlisted in the Marine Corps almost as soon as he was able in mid-1969 to play his part in the ongoing Vietnam War, unaware he’d quickly land the eminent title of sergeant too. The truth is this youngster was honorably discharged in 1972 despite having severed for merely three years, following which he actually managed to integrate himself into society in a way no one expected.
As per reports, Steve subsequently joined the police force to maintain his passion — he spent his rookie season at the Van Alstyne Department before transferring to McKinney for the ensuing few years. Then, in 1978, this 29-year-old was appointed Deputy Sheriff at Collin County Sheriff’s Office under his applied role as a Criminal Investigator for the local County’s Criminal District Attorney’s Office. This happens to be a mere two years prior to Betty’s June 30, 1980, murder in Wylie, Texas — the case that baffled him for years since he couldn’t understand why Candy wasn’t found guilty upon trial.
Steve still remembers the way blood and small pieces of evidence were splattered everywhere inside this young mother of two’s home, all of which helped him ascertain Candy to the perpetrator. “She [Candy] probably started hitting [Betty] at the door of the garage, then fell into the utility room,” he once candidly said in an interview. “Self-defense ends then. Why would she keep hitting her?” He hence ensured to testify at her trial too, but to no avail — he actually believes at least 3 of the 12 individuals on the jury were either her or her attorneys’ personal friends, yet alas, he had to move on.
Where is Steve Deffibaugh Now?
From what we can tell, Steve remained at the Collin County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for a total of 14 years before saying goodbye, just to then proudly hold the title of County Fire Marshal. In this role, he reportedly worked alongside volunteers for safety, conducted fire prevention classes for locals, executed proper codes at every step of the way, as well as served as a sheer inspiration. Nevertheless, because all good things do have to come to an end, this 60-something-year-old officially retired in early 2011 following more than 32 years of active service within Collin County itself.
Steve did have to part ways with his formal positions due to age more than a decade ago, yet the fact remains he has not actually left his need for community service in any way, shape, or form. In fact, today, in his 70s, this former Mayor of Princeton, Texas, works as Mayor Pro Tempore while also being a City Council member, Secretary of Collin County Firefighters’ Association, President of Princeton Community Development Corporation, plus Treasure for the Former McKinney Police Officers Association. This Princeton native was even a volunteer for the Fire Department until 2018 before retiring as Assistant Chief, only to now be Santa Claus during the holidays to bring joy to youngsters.
Read More: Did Allan Gore Help Candy in the Murder?
