David Temple murder trial far from over 20 years later

Mayra Moreno Image
Monday, January 11, 2021
David Temple murder trial still occuring 20 years later
While he was found guilty of murder, a decision regarding his sentence has yet to be made.

KATY, Texas (KTRK) -- It was a crime that rocked the quiet town of Katy.

Belinda Temple, a pregnant mother, was found shot to death in her home.

RELATED: Former football coach convicted 20 years after murder of pregnant wife

In November 2019, a "20/20" special went into detail of this local case that has many twists and turns.

David Temple, Belinda's husband, was the one who discovered her body face down in their master bedroom closet. He told police he came home to what looked like a home invasion.

Temple was arrested and charged with his wife's murder later in 2004.

He was originally found guilty in 2007 when prosecutors said Temple was unhappy in his marriage, had a mistress and a motive to get rid of his pregnant wife.

In 2012, Temple's defense successfully negotiated a second trial saying prosecutor Kelly Siegler was too aggressive and withheld key evidence.

RELATED: $1M bond set for David Temple as he awaits new sentencing phase

That new evidence pointed to Temple's teen neighbor, Riley Joe Sanders.

Temple's lawyer said a witness came forward and claimed Sanders committed the burglary of the Temple home, also admitting to shooting his shotgun during the burglary.

In July 2019, 20 years after his wife's murder, his second trial began. He was found guilty of murder once again.

RELATED: Former football coach convicted 20 years after murder of pregnant wife

The jury spent 20 hours trying to come up with a sentence, but were deadlocked in the end, leading to the judge declaring a mistrial in the punishment phase.

DAVID TEMPLE: Judge declares mistrial during sentencing phase for former HS coach who killed wife

It's a story that many still have a hard time trying to unravel.

Temple remains in jail without a sentence.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no date is set for when that sentencing will finally happen.

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