David Temple remains incarcerated in Texas, serving a life sentence for the 1999 murder of his pregnant wife, Belinda Temple. Nearly 27 years after the crime, his appeals have been denied, solidifying his imprisonment as of 2025.​
Background
David and Belinda Temple, both educators from small towns near Houston, met at Stephen F. Austin State University where David played football and Belinda excelled in athletics. They married in 1992 after dating for a year, earned master’s degrees in education, and settled in Katy, Texas, with David coaching football and Belinda teaching special education.​
The Murder
On January 11, 1999, David returned home with their 3-year-old son Evan around 5:30 p.m., claiming a home invasion after finding the back door broken and Belinda shot in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun in their bedroom closet. She was eight months pregnant with their daughter, Erin. Initial investigation noted staged burglary signs, like misplaced glass from the door and untouched valuables.​
Investigation and Arrest
David’s alibi involved errands captured on surveillance, but inconsistencies emerged, including varying stories about parks visited. An affair with colleague Heather Scott surfaced, whom he later married. Forensic evidence in 2004 revealed matching gunshot residue on both victims’ and David’s clothing, leading to his arrest.​
Trials and Sentencing
Convicted in 2007 and sentenced to life despite excluded residue evidence, the verdict was overturned in 2016 for a retrial. A 2019 jury again found him guilty but deadlocked on punishment; in 2023, he received life with parole possibility. Victim impact statements from Belinda’s siblings highlighted profound family loss.​
Current Status
Temple is imprisoned in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility, with his 2023 sentence upheld after failed appeals. His son Evan, now an adult, was raised by Heather Scott.​
